Sauna

Description

1 / 13 SAUNA Cross-referencing for related orders

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 491,431, filed March 21, 2023, disclosure of which is incorporated herein in full by reference. Background of the Invention

[0002] Saunas are popular for providing health therapy to users, with home dry heat saunas for one or more users becoming increasingly common as residential fixtures. Traditional saunas are also popular, and health facilities that offer access to various sauna types allow users to select the type of sauna used in any given session.

[0003] As saunas are typically powered electrically, it is desirable to provide adequate protection for users against any electrical or electronic malfunction. Most sauna installations typically include some type of general electrical protection circuit, such as circuit breakers or ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). However, circuit breakers are relatively slow to react and generally only protect against current draw above a predetermined limit, and GFCI circuits are designed to detect a mismatch between the current flowing from the GFCI to the sauna (or other appliance or device) and the current returning to the GFCI, and to interrupt the power supply if such a mismatch is detected.

[0004] Although these circuits provide protection against overcurrent and potential shocks or electrocutions (or other current leaks), they do not specifically monitor voltages or currents at one or more points in the sauna, nor do they track or analyze such information over time. Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 41 / 68 2 / 13

[0005] Thus, it can be observed that there is still a need in the art for an improved system and method to monitor, detect and protect against electrical and electronic malfunctions in sauna systems. Brief Description of the Invention

[0006] Examples of embodiments are defined by the claims below, not by this summary description. A high-level overview of various aspects thereof is provided here to introduce a selection of concepts that are described in more detail in the detailed description section below. This summary description is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed object, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed object. In summary, this invention describes a system and methods for providing galvanically isolated circuits in a sauna to monitor, detect, analyze, and predict electrical and electronic malfunctions.

[0007] In one embodiment, a sauna, such as a far-infrared sauna system having various heating, lighting, or other electrically operated elements, is equipped with a galvanically isolated current sensing circuit and a galvanically isolated voltage sensing circuit, each communicating with a logic and control circuit comprising a processor or microcontroller device. The current sensing circuit is connected between a power source for the sauna and an electrical load of the sauna, while the voltage sensing circuit is connected between the phase and neutral lines of the power source.

[0008] Both the current detection circuit and the voltage detection circuit are in communication with the microcontroller device, and the microcontroller can detect electrical / electronic faults such as short circuits, open circuits, undercurrent events, overcurrent events, and the like. In some embodiments, the microcontroller device can also store and analyze voltage and current data to detect faults. Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 42 / 68 3 / 13 latent operation or to predict and prevent future malfunctions. For example, an increase in current consumption over a period of several days may indicate a fault in a component that could eventually result in a short circuit. Analysis by the microcontroller can provide an alert of the anomaly to allow the user to proactively investigate and resolve the problem before the short circuit occurs. In other embodiments, data analysis and processing may be performed by a microcontroller or processor external to the sauna, with data being communicated between the two processors.

[0009] In other embodiments, the voltage and current sensing circuit can be configured to monitor the voltage and current in individual sauna components, or additional sensing circuits can be included in the individual components so that the microcontroller can alert the user about a specific problematic component. In other embodiments, additional sensing sensors, such as air quality sensors, temperature sensors, and other electrical parameters or environmental sensors, can be used to monitor the desired parameters. In other embodiments, in addition to alerts, the microcontroller can control additional circuits to shut off the power supply or electrically isolate components or electrical loads to prevent electrical flow to those components after detecting a problem or malfunction.

[0010] In other embodiments, the voltage and current detection circuit may include temperature sensors to monitor the temperatures of various components within the sauna, with the temperature data also being used in the detection, analysis, and prediction of actual or potential malfunctions or failures. In other embodiments, the logic and control circuit and the microcontroller device comprise an Internet of Things (IoT) device to enable the sauna to transmit and receive information via local and / or wide area networks, such as the internet. Brief Description of the Drawings Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 43 / 68 4 / 13

[0011] The illustrative embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, and where:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective cutaway view of a sauna with a galvanically isolated current and voltage detection circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the galvanically isolated current and voltage detection circuit of the sauna in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an approximate schematic block view of the logic and control circuit of the galvanically isolated sauna current and voltage detection circuit of FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary operation of the galvanically isolated current and voltage detection circuit of the sauna in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a graphical view of current data collected over a period of time from a first rear wall heating element of a sauna, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a graphical view of current data collected over a period of time from a second rear wall heating element of a sauna, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a graphical view of temperature data collected over a period of time from a first rear wall heating element of a sauna, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a graphical view of temperature data collected over a period of time from a second rear wall heating element of a sauna, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 44 / 68 5 / 13

[0020] FIG. 9 is a graphical view of the voltage and temperature data collected over a period of time from the interior of a sauna cabin according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a graphical view of smoke sensor and temperature data collected over a period of time from the interior of a sauna cabin, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0022] The object of some selected exemplary embodiments is described herein with specificity to meet legal requirements. But the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the claims. Instead, the claimed object may be embodied in other ways to include different components, steps, or combinations thereof, similar to those described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Terms should not be construed as implying any specific order among the various steps disclosed herein, unless and except where the order of the individual steps is explicitly described. The terms about or approximately, as used herein, denote deviations that are insignificant for function.

[0023] Observing FIG. 1, a front sectional view of the interior of a sauna with a galvanically isolated current and voltage detection circuit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is generally represented as 100. The sauna may include backrests 106, 108, a plurality of wall panels 109, a floor 112 and a door 123 to allow entry and exit.

[0024] A sauna 100 may also comprise any arrangement of sauna components, such as a control panel 102 fixed, for example, to the inside of a wall panel. The control panel 102 may include any number of controls, for example, settings that include a Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 45 / 68 6 / 13 series of buttons, dials, switches and / or displays arranged thereon. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the control panel 102 preferably includes a display device, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma screen or any other type of screen suitable for displaying various information associated with the user's sauna experience, and an audio speaker for playing audio material. In one embodiment, the control panel 102 may comprise a touch-sensitive display device operable to display the output as well as to receive user input, where the user can interact with the control panel 102 by touching the screen with a finger, stylus or other object. In other embodiments, the control panel 102 may be a portable device, such as a remote control device or module.In other embodiments, the control panel 102 can be adapted for user use, for example, by attaching straps to a part of the body. In other embodiments, the speaker and control switches can be located remotely from the control panel 102.

[0025] Control panel 102 can be integrated or coupled to any of the various controllable features associated with sauna 100. For example, in one embodiment, control panel 102 is coupled to heat sources located within the walls and / or floor of the sauna.

[0026] In other embodiments, the control panel 102 can be coupled with other features, such as adjustable lighting, timing devices and the like, allowing control of these features. Any combination of the sauna's electrical components comprises an electrical load – that is, they consume energy from an external power source 110. The energy from the external power source 110 is supplied to the sauna via a power connection cable 111. The external energy is preferably an alternating current (AC) source, such as from the mains, distribution network, a generator or other AC source. In other embodiments, the external energy may be direct current (DC) from an external DC source, such as batteries, solar panels and the like. Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 46 / 68 7 / 13

[0027] Power from the external power supply 110, via cable 111, is supplied to the sauna by means of a galvanically isolated fault detection circuit 120, which includes power distribution components and circuits such as busbars, relays, contactors, switches, etc., which distribute power to the various components of the sauna under the command of logic and control circuits, as will be described in more detail below. Thus, for example, in a preferred embodiment, the control panel 102 is in communication with the logic and control circuits 128 to allow the control panel 102 to distribute power to the various heating, lighting and other components of the sauna in order to activate and control these components.

[0028] Observing FIG. 2, an expanded schematic block view shows that the input power supply 110 (e.g., input AC power) is supplied to the galvanically isolated fault detection circuit 120, which subsequently transfers the AC power to the sauna's electrical load 122. As discussed above, the electrical load 122 comprises any electrical components, controls, heating elements, lights, etc., in the sauna.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the galvanically isolated 120 fault detection circuit includes circuits for receiving alternating current (AC) power from an external power source (such as a power grid, distribution network, or other alternating current power source), including a conditioning circuit to filter the input power and switching circuits, such as contactors, transfer switches, and the like, to allow connection and disconnection of the input power. In other embodiments, the circuit may include an AC-to-DC conversion circuit to allow the device to generate the appropriate power from the input power source.

[0030] Electrical load 122 (or electrical loads) includes any electrical and / or electronic circuits and / or devices located in or on the sauna and powered by the power source. In modalities Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 47 / 68 8 / 13 illustrative examples, the electrical loads for the sauna may include resistive heating elements, infrared heating elements, lighting elements, control panels, audio equipment, video displays, monitors, keyboards and other electrically powered devices.

[0031] The galvanically isolated current sensing module 126 includes configured and operable circuits to galvanically isolate it from the power source, such as a transformer, an optical coupler, or a Hall effect device. The current sensing module 126 further includes circuits to detect the current flowing through the module, using, for example, very low ohmage resistors or other current-sensing devices or modules. The current sensing module 126 preferably includes communication circuits to enable communication with the logic and control circuits 128, as will be described in more detail below. In exemplary embodiments, the current sensing module 126 is connected in-line between the power source 110 and the electrical load 122; in further embodiments, similar current sensing modules may be similarly connected to individual components and / or devices within the sauna.

[0032] The galvanically isolated voltage sensing module 130 includes configured and operable circuits to galvanically isolate from the power source, such as a transformer, an optical coupler, or a Hall effect device. The voltage sensing module 130 further includes circuits to detect the voltage between the input power source 110 and ground or neutral 117. In other embodiments, similar voltage sensing modules may be similarly connected to individual components and / or devices within the sauna. The voltage sensing module 130 preferably includes communication circuits to enable communication with the logic and control circuits 128. Referring again to Figure 2, in exemplary embodiments, the sauna may include an air quality sensor 144, a temperature sensor 146, or other electrical or environmental sensor(s), each communicating with the logic and control circuits. Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 48 / 68 9 / 13 128 to allow the capture, storage, and analysis of data from each of these sensors.

[0033] Observing FIG. 3, the logic and control circuit 128 includes a processor 132, memory 134, and data storage 136 to allow the processor to execute stored instructions to perform various control and measurement processes, and to store the acquired data. The logic and control circuit 128 further comprises a communication circuit 138 to allow the processor 132 to transmit and receive data to and from other devices and components within the sauna and to external devices or networks, such as the network 140. The network 140 can be any local or wide area network, such as the internet, to allow the sauna to function as an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Thus, control of the sauna and access to fault detection data can be done locally or remotely.

[0034] The power distribution circuit 142 may comprise contactors, transfer switches and the like, to enable the connection and disconnection of input power and the distribution of power to various devices and components in the sauna under the control of the processor 132. In other embodiments, the power distribution circuit may include an AC-to-DC conversion circuit to enable the device to generate the appropriate power from the input power source.

[0035] Processor 132 may be one or more processors, controllers, microcontrollers, or other computer or control device. It should be understood that one or more processors may be used in the galvanically isolated fault detection circuit 120, so that processing is distributed among multiple processors or controllers, rather than a single controller.

[0036] Returning to FIG. 3, as described earlier, the processor 132 of the logic and control circuit 128 is configured to communicate and exchange data with one or more galvanically isolated current sensing modules 126 and with one or more voltage sensing modules 130 Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 49 / 68 10 / 13 galvanically isolated inside the sauna. The logic and control circuit 128 is preferably configured to monitor voltage and current data from the voltage and current sensing modules, and to store, analyze, and generate alerts and / or take other actions based on the captured data.

[0037] For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller can detect an overcurrent condition and issue an alert and command the shutdown of the input power using a contactor, transfer switch, or other device. Similarly, the microcontroller can detect an overvoltage or undervoltage condition and shut off the power in a similar manner. In other embodiments, the microcontroller can analyze the captured data to detect changes in the operation of the sauna or of devices and circuits within the sauna.

[0038] Thus, for example, a continuous increase in operating current over several weeks may indicate a gradually failing resistive heating element, in which case the microcontroller can generate an alert to the user about the condition and the associated element or circuit. Thus, the owner / operator of the equipment can be proactively alerted to an impending failure and replace the defective element before a serious failure occurs.

[0039] Returning to FIG. 4, a flow diagram for detecting voltage and / or current faults according to an exemplary implementation of the logic and control circuit for detecting overcurrent or overvoltage conditions and for capturing and analyzing data using the system of the present invention is generally represented as 200.

[0040] In block 202, the process begins. In block 204, the processor communicates with the galvanically isolated current detection circuit to determine if this circuit has detected an overcurrent condition. If so, in block 206, the system disconnects the power supply from the electrical load to prevent the overcurrent condition from continuing. Additionally, in block 206, the system may perform further actions, such as recording the time of... Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 50 / 68 11 / 13 detection, the date, the current measurement that led to the detection, and the specific fault or type of fault detected.

[0041] If no overcurrent is detected, the process continues in block 208, where the logic and control circuits communicate with the galvanically isolated voltage detection circuit to determine if that circuit has detected an overvoltage or undervoltage condition. If so, in block 210, the system disconnects the power supply from the electrical load to prevent the overvoltage or undervoltage condition from continuing. Additionally, in block 210, the system can perform further actions such as recording the time of detection, the date, the measured voltage that led to the detection, and the specific fault or type of fault detected.

[0042] Continuing the process in block 212, the logic and control circuit determines if an overheating condition exists. If so, in block 214, the system disconnects the power supply from the electrical load to prevent the overheating condition from continuing. Additionally, in block 214, the system can perform further actions such as recording the time of detection, the date, the measured temperature that led to the detection, and the specific fault or type of fault detected.

[0043] In block 216, the process continues, with the logic and control circuits determining if an excess air quality condition exists – that is, if the air quality measurement is outside a predetermined range. If so, in block 218, the system disconnects the power supply from the electrical load to prevent the excess air quality condition from continuing. Additionally, in block 214, the system can perform further actions such as recording the time of detection, the date, the measured air quality parameter that led to the detection, and the specific fault or type of fault detected.

[0044] In block 220, the system captures the desired system parameters, such as voltage, current, temperature, etc., and in block 222, the captured data is analyzed. In block 224, a report summarizing the captured data is generated. Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 51 / 68 12 / 13 stored and / or transmitted, for example, via a connected network, to an operator or user for further analysis.

[0045] It should be understood that data collection in block 212 can be performed continuously or in a programmed manner. Detected faults are preferably reported immediately, with fault detection data recorded and stored simultaneously in memory or on a data storage device, along with other system parameters. In preferred embodiments, a plurality of current and voltage detection circuit modules can be distributed across various components, elements, and circuits of the sauna to allow the processor to collect component-specific data to detect and notify potential problems or malfunctions. Thus, the captured data may include general information about the sauna's current and voltage or may include information about the current and voltage associated with individual devices or components within the sauna.

[0046] It should also be understood that the system may employ various combinations of sensors as desired, with combinations of one or more voltage, current, temperature, air quality, smoke, and other electrical and environmental sensors deployed at various locations in the sauna to monitor and detect the desired parameters.

[0047] With the system presented as described above, FIGS. 5 to 10 illustrate exemplary data collection and analysis reports that can be provided by the system as claimed. Observing FIG. 5, a graphical visualization of the current data collected over a period of time from a first heating element of the rear wall is presented, while FIG. 6 illustrates a graphical visualization of the current data from a second heating element of the rear wall.

[0048] Similarly, FIG. 7 is a graphical view of the temperature data collected over a period of time from the first heating element of the back wall and FIG. 8 is a graphical view of the data Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 52 / 68 13 / 13 of temperature collected over a period of time from the second heating element on the back wall.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a graphical view of voltage and temperature data collected over a period of time in a sauna cabin (i.e., the enclosed area of ​​the sauna), and FIG. 10 is a graphical view of smoke sensor and temperature data collected over a period of time within the enclosed area of ​​the sauna cabin.

[0050] Thus, it can be observed that the system of the present invention allows the detection and monitoring of voltage, current, temperature, air quality (e.g., smoke) and other conditions to allow the system to be shut down after the detection of an unsafe condition and to monitor, capture and record operational data to allow the analysis and reporting of parameters over time.

[0051] Many different configurations of the various components represented, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. The embodiments of the technology have been described with the intention of being illustrative and not restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this invention after and due to their reading. Alternative means of implementing the above can be devised without departing from the scope of the claims below. The identification of structures as being configured to perform a specific function in this invention and in the claims below is intended to include structures and arrangements or designs thereof that are within the scope of this invention and are easily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and that can similarly perform the specific function.Certain features and subcombinations are useful and can be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 53 / 68

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Sauna (100), characterized in that it comprises: a galvanically isolated current detection circuit; a galvanically isolated voltage detection circuit; and a logic and control circuit (128) communicating with the galvanically isolated current detection circuit and with the galvanically isolated voltage detection circuit, the logic and control circuit (128) being operable to monitor voltage and current data and alert a user about a detected fault.

2. Sauna (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the detected fault comprises an overcurrent condition, an overvoltage condition, an undervoltage condition or combinations thereof.

3. Sauna (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the microcontroller is still operable to drive the disconnection circuit to disconnect the power from the sauna (100) after detecting a fault.

4. Sauna (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the galvanically isolated current detection circuit comprises a transformer, an optical isolator or combinations thereof.

5. Sauna (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the galvanically isolated voltage detection circuit comprises a transformer, an optical isolator or combinations thereof.

6. Sauna (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the logic and control circuit (128) comprises a communication circuit (138) operable for communication via a local or long-distance network (140). Petition 870250084616, dated 19 / 09 / 2025, p. 54 / 68 2 / 4 7. Sauna (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the logic and control circuit (128) comprises a processor (132) and a memory (134) with instructions stored therein which, when executed, cause the processor (132) to perform data monitoring and storage operations.

8. Sauna (100), characterized in that it comprises: a galvanically isolated current detection circuit; a logic and control circuit (128) communicating with the galvanically isolated current detection circuit, the logic and control circuit (128) operable to monitor current data and alert a user about a detected fault.

9. Sauna (100), according to claim 8, characterized in that the detected fault comprises an overcurrent condition.

10. Sauna (100), according to claim 8, characterized in that the microcontroller is still operable to drive the disconnection circuit to disconnect the power from the sauna (100) after detecting a fault.

11. Sauna (100), according to claim 8, characterized in that the galvanically isolated current detection circuit comprises a transformer, an optical isolator or combinations thereof.

12. Sauna (100), according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a galvanically isolated voltage detection circuit.

13. Sauna (100), characterized in that it comprises: Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, page 55 / 68 3 / 4 a plurality of galvanically isolated current detection circuit modules (126), each module being configured to monitor the current flow to a component of the sauna (100); and logic and control circuit (128) in communication with the plurality of galvanically isolated current detection circuit modules (126), the logic and control circuit (128) being operable to monitor current data and alert a user about a detected fault.

14. Sauna (100), according to claim 13, characterized in that the detected fault comprises an overcurrent condition.

15. Sauna (100), according to claim 13, characterized in that the microcontroller is still operable to drive disconnection circuits to disconnect the power from the sauna (100) after detecting a fault.

16. Sauna (100), according to claim 13, characterized in that the galvanically isolated current detection circuit comprises a transformer, an optical isolator or combinations thereof.

17. Sauna (100), according to claim 13, characterized in that the logic and control circuit (128) comprises a communication circuit (138) operable for communication via a local or long-distance network (140).

18. Sauna (100), according to claim 17, characterized in that the logic and control circuit (128) comprises a processor (132) and a memory (134) with instructions stored therein which, when executed, cause the processor (132) to perform data monitoring and storage operations. Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 56 / 68 4 / 4 19. Sauna (100), according to claim 18, characterized in that the logic and control circuit (128) is operable to periodically capture and store parameters of the sauna (100) and generate reports comprising the captured parameters. Petition 870250084616, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 57 / 68

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