Wireless Lubricant Dispensing Station With Parameter Match Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricators often have predefined operation conditions that may not match specific job or machine requirements, making it difficult to adjust settings without compromising safety or requiring technical knowledge, and lack easy reconfiguration options.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing station with a controller and data processing unit that allows for easy redefinition of condition parameters via wireless communication devices, ensuring safe and accurate lubricant dispensing by matching predefined and user-input condition parameters before allowing lubricant release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If predefined operation conditions are used in sensors, then safety is maintained, but adaptability to specific job or machine requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the condition parameters into two segments: predefined operation conditions (stored in sensor memory) and user-defined condition parameters (input via communication device). This segmentation allows the system to maintain both safety through predefined conditions and adaptability through user-defined conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The data processing unit acts as an intermediary that receives both predefined operation conditions from the sensor and user-defined condition parameters from the communication device. It compares these two sets of parameters and only allows lubricant dispensing when they match, thereby mediating between safety requirements and user adaptability needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor condition parameters are redefined at factory level, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and technical knowledge requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/manual method of redefining sensor parameters (which requires technical knowledge and factory-level access) with an electronic communication system. Users can input condition parameters via a communication device (such as a smartphone or tablet), which transmits these parameters to the data processing unit, eliminating the need for technical expertise in sensor reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to independently reconfigure the lubricator settings without requiring factory-level technical knowledge. The communication device allows end-users to directly input and modify condition parameters, making the system self-serviceable and reducing dependency on specialized technicians.
3Ease of operation
If easy access to sensor conditions is provided, then ease of operation improves, but safety deteriorates due to potential tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing unit serves as an intermediary layer between the user interface (communication device) and the sensor memory. It receives user-defined condition parameters, compares them with predefined operation conditions, and only allows dispensing when they match. This intermediary mechanism provides easy user access while maintaining safety through validation against predefined conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the data processing unit continuously compares user-defined condition parameters with predefined operation conditions. This feedback loop ensures that even though users have easy access to modify parameters, the system maintains safety by validating changes against established operational criteria before allowing lubricant dispensing.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dispensing station comprising a data processing unit configured for communicating with a controller and configured for receiving one or more command parameter(s) via a first communication device, the first communication device is a wireless device. The dispensing station is configured for receiving a first set of condition parameters via the first communication device, wherein the first condition parameters is related to at least the container.