System and device for inline water monitoring

Abstract

In an example, an inline water monitoring system includes an inline water monitoring device and monitoring circuitry housing. The inline water monitoring device includes a sensor chamber configured to secure a sensor in contact with pool water, the sensor operable to measure at least one property of the water, and a tee coupling operable to couple to piping that transports the pool water. The sensor chamber and the tee coupling are configured to couple together and provide pool water to the sensor. A monitoring circuitry housing is also provided that includes monitoring circuitry operable to receive sensor data output from the sensor and determine at least one or more water property based on the received sensor data.

Description

Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WOSYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR INLINE WATER MONITORINGRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 690,666, filed on September 4, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD

[0002] The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and device for monitoring and adjusting chemical levels in a liquid and, more particularly, to a system and a device for monitoring and adjusting chemical levels in, for example, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and the like.BACKGROUND

[0003] Automated water care systems are configured and operable to maintain water property (e.g., pH, water temperature, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and so forth) within acceptable levels of quality in, for example, swimming pools, diving pools, hot tubs, and other sports, recreational, and therapeutic bodies of water. Advantageously, automated water care should maintain water clarity and prevent waterborne illnesses.

[0004] Some pool owners may engage commercial professionals to maintain the water quality of their pools; other owners may manage water quality and chemical levels themselves, using off-the-shelf testing kits and adding a host of liquid and solid chemicals, as necessary. Although each of these techniques has its benefits (e.g., cost, simplicity, and the like), they are also flawed.

[0005] Attempts to automate water care have met with some degree of success. However, early systems were both complex and costly. Prior water-borne sensing systems helped to reduce the cost and simplify the water care process; however, the systems had problems with accuracy and reliability.

[0006] The construction of these water-borne (including submersed) systems requires additional waterproofing and structural features to prevent damage from being either underwater or floating on the water in the recreational pool environment. These additional structural features and waterproofing add to the costs of the device and make updates or repairs to any sensor hardware more costly as entire units have to be replaced instead of replacing only smaller less costly components. Therefore, there is a need for another water monitoring system that eliminates the disadvantages of the water-borne systems.1IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WOSUMMARY

[0007] Disclosed is an inline water monitoring device that includes a sensor chamber and a tee coupling. The sensor chamber may be configured to secure a sensor in contact with pool water. The sensor may be operable to measure at least one property of the water. The tee coupling is operable to couple to piping that transports the pool water, where the sensor chamber and the tee coupling are configured to couple together and provide pool water to the sensor.

[0008] In one aspect, an inline water monitoring system includes an inline water monitoring device and a monitoring circuitry housing. The inline water monitoring device includes a sensor chamber and a tee coupling. The sensor chamber and the tee coupling are configured to be coupled together with a leakproof seal. The sensor chamber is configured to secure a sensor in contact with pool water. The sensor may be operable to measure at least one property of the water. The tee coupling is operable to couple to piping that transports the pool water. The monitoring circuitry housing may include monitoring circuitry that is operable to receive sensor data output from the sensor and determine water property based on the received sensor data.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0010] FIG. 1 A illustrates an exploded rear view of an example of an inline water monitoring device in accordance with one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. IB illustrates an exploded front view of the example of the inline water monitoring device from the side opposite that shown in FIG. 1 A.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the exemplary sensor chamber shown in FIGs. 1A and IB in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of an exemplary tee coupling according to an example of the disclosed subject matter.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a right-side view of the example of the inline water monitoring device from the side opposite that shown in FIG. 1A.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a left side view of the example of the inline water monitoring device shown in FIG. 1 A.2IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The described inline water monitoring system and inline water monitoring device are for monitoring a water property in a body containing the water, such as a swimming pool, a spa, a hot tub, a cold plunge, and / or other (e.g., synthetic) structures (e.g., fishponds or the like) for holding and retaining water. The various bodies that contain the water may also be generally referred to as a “swimming pool” or “pool,” and the terms may be used interchangeably with reference to a spa, a hot tub, and the like. More specifically, the body containing the water is intended for use by people to sit, swim, and partake in other water- related activities. Additionally, the “pool water” generally refers to water in a swimming pool herein, but also includes water in spas, hot tubs, and the like.

[0017] The disclosed examples described below and shown in the figures are exemplary embodiments of an inline water monitoring system that may include an inline water monitoring device that is configured and operable to be placed near a swimming pool for the purpose of monitoring a myriad of water properties. A water property may be, for example, water temperature, water pH, total hardness, total alkalinity, chlorine level, bromine level, oxygen reduction potential (ORP), cyanuric acid level, total dissolved solids, phosphate levels, metal levels, salt levels, calcium levels, and so forth. Some water properties are directly detectable by a sensor as sensor data, while other water properties may be determined based on the sensor data received from the sensor.

[0018] Advantageously, the disclosed inline water monitoring system is a number of structural components arranged to enable the inline water monitoring and positioning of a sensor in an orientation that reduces issues for sensing or measuring properties of the pool water.

[0019] FIG. 1 A illustrates an exploded rear view of an example of an inline water monitoring device in accordance with one embodiment.

[0020] An exemplary inline water monitoring system may include at least an inline water monitoring device and a monitoring circuitry housing.

[0021] In an example, the inline water monitoring device 144 may include two components: a sensor chamber 104 and a tee coupling 106. In the illustrated example, the tee coupling 106 and the sensor chamber 104 are configured to be coupled to one another in a plurality of orientations. The coupling between the sensor chamber 104 and the tee coupling 106 is configured to be a leakproof seal, which is facilitated by an inline water monitor O-ring 120.3IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO

[0022] The sensor chamber 104 may be configured to secure a sensor, such as sensor 102, in contact with pool water. The sensor 102 is operable to measure at least one or more properties of the pool water, such as pH, water temperature, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and the like, that may be output as sensor data. The sensor 102 includes sensing elements 146 that are exposed to the pool water via sensor guard openings 148.

[0023] The sensor chamber 104 may include a number of other elements, such as a sensor chamber flange 114, a sensor chamber O-ring 122, a sensor opening 138, and a sensor cap 118. The sensor 102 has a diameter smaller than the sensor chamber O-ring 122. The sensor chamber O-ring 122 is configured to fit into the sensor opening 138 and form a seal between the sensor 102 and the sensor opening 138. The sensor cap 118 is configured to screw onto the threads 142 of the sensor chamber 104. In an example, the sensor chamber 104 further includes a sensor chamber flange 114 having a number of detent pins (136 shown in FIG. IB).

[0024] The tee coupling 106 is operable to couple to piping that transports pool water and deliver a portion of the pool water to the sensor chamber 104.

[0025] In more detail, the tee coupling may further include a water inlet / outlet flange 116 and a water inlet / outlet 110. The water inlet / outlet flange 116 is configured with a number of coupling detents 134. In the example of FIGs. 1A and IB, four coupling detents 134 are shown, but of course, more detents, such as 4, 6, 8 or the like, may be provided.

[0026] Each of the detent pins 136 of the sensor chamber flange 114 is configured to mate with a respective coupling detent 134 of the number of detents of the water inlet / outlet flange 116. The mating of a respective detent pins 136 with a respective coupling detent 134 ensures proper alignment of the flanges 114 and 116. The coupling detents 134 and the detent pins 136 enable the water inlet / outlet flange 116 to be rotated with respect to the sensor chamber 104 to accommodate the piping for the pool water.

[0027] Another benefit of coupling detents 134 and the detent pins 136 is that once mated together the respective flanges 114 and 116 are secured in position for placement of fasteners 132 that fixes the orientation of the tee coupling 106 with respect to the sensor chamber 104. The fasteners 132 are shown as bolts with nuts, but may be self-tapping screws, cotter pins, compression clips, spring-loaded fasteners, or the like.

[0028] The inline water monitoring system 100 also includes a sensor storage plug 124, and a sensor storage bottle 126 for when the sensor 102 is not in use. For example, during the winter months, the storage O-ring 128 may be placed with in the sensor storage plug 124 to further seal the sensor opening 138 of the sensor chamber 104, as well as to seal the4IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO sensor cap 118 to the sensor 102. When the sensor 102 is being used, the sensor storage plug 124 and sensor storage bottle 126 may be held in the storage cover clip 130 that may slidably couple to the sensor chamber 104. In this example, the storage cover clip 130 is located at the bottom of the sensor chamber 104.

[0029] The inline water monitoring system 100 may also include a monitoring circuitry housing 108. When included the monitoring circuitry housing 108 may be coupled to the tee coupling 106 via a mounting plate 112. In more detail, the monitoring circuitry housing 108 may be configured to house monitoring circuitry (not shown) that is operable to receive sensor data output from the sensor 102. The monitoring circuitry may also be operable to determine properties of the pool water (i.e., water property) based on the received sensor data. An example of the monitoring circuitry usable with the disclosed inline water monitoring system 100 may be monitoring circuitry and related functions as described in US Patent Application 18 / 499346, published as 20240142429, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0030] “ Sensor data" may also be referred to "measured data” herein, and both terms may generally refer to raw data obtained by the respective sensors in the sensor 102, processed data that was raw data and that has been interpreted via circuitry to provide a measurement of a chemical or a water property being sensed, or a combination of both.

[0031] Substantially all of the parts of the inline water monitoring system 100 were discussed with reference to FIG. 1 A. In the subsequent views, the discussion of a reference number that was previously described is not repeated for the convenience of the reader; however, additional features and details of the inline water monitoring system 100 may be described with reference to the previously introduced numbers and with reference to new reference numbers.

[0032] FIG. IB illustrates an exploded front view of the example of the inline water monitoring device from the side opposite that shown in FIG. 1 A.

[0033] This view provides a more detailed view of the sensor chamber flange 114 and the detent pin 136. Each detent pin 136 of the number of detent pins in the sensor chamber flange 114 has a shape that is complementary to each of the coupling detents 134. In the illustrated example, the detent pins 136 are shown as triangular but the shape of the detent pins 136 may be square, circular, star-shaped, or the like.

[0034] The views of FIG. 1 A and FIG. IB also provide an opportunity to discuss the relationship between tee coupling 106 and sensor chamber 104. In an example, the sensor chamber 104 is intended to remain vertically aligned so that the sensor 102 is upright5IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO However, every pool equipment pad is different, and sometimes the tee coupling 106 needs to be installed in different orientations, such as horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. By creating the sensor chamber 104 and the tee coupling 106 as two separate parts, connected by fasteners 132 (e.g., nuts and bolts), an installer is able to more easily find the correct orientation for the tee coupling 106, while allowing the sensing sensor chamber 104 to remain upright (with the sensor 102 positioned to sense or detect water property). In addition, the design of future sensors may be updated, and with the two-piece design, only the sensing chamber 104 may need to be replaced instead of having to cut and reinstall new plumbing to also replace the tee coupling 106. It is noted that the tee coupling 106 and / or the sensing chamber 104 may be configured to be used with different sizes of plumbing such as pipes have a diameter of 1.5-inch, 2-inch, 2.25-inch, 3-inch, or the like. In addition, the sensor chamber 104 and sensor 102 are operable to function with variable flow rates and are configured to have no flow restrictions.

[0035] In further examples, the body of the sensor 102 is shown with sensing elements 146 within a sensor guard that has sensor guard openings 148. The sensor 102 may be configured with a keyed flange to ensure the sensor guard 150 is aligned so that a hole (e.g., a particular one of sensor guard openings 148) in the sensor guard 150 is located properly. The sensor chamber O-ring 122 may be placed on the sensor body to both seal the sensor 102 in the sensor chamber 104, as well as to seal the sensor storage plug 124 to the sensor opening 138 when the sensor 102 is not in use.

[0036] The monitoring circuitry housing 108 is configured to also be easily removable from the tee coupling 106 in the case that monitoring circuitry within the monitoring circuitry housing 108 is updated or damaged. In addition, other iterations of the monitoring circuitry housing 108 may be installed to provide a greater number of water property measurements and data.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the exemplary sensor chamber shown in FIGs. 1A and IB in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0038] Those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that, if the water is not flowing through the conduit, then the water may be stagnant and, correspondingly, not representative of the state of the water. Whereas, if water is flowing through the conduit (as determined by the accelerometer or other measuring device), then the sampled water may be better representative of the state of the water.

[0039] As mentioned with respect to FIG. IB, the sensor 102 is vertically oriented in the sensor chamber 104 (details of which are described with reference to a later example).6IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO Here, details of internal structure of the sensor chamber 200 are shown. The sensor chamber 200 is configured with a water trap wall 206 and a sensor water trap 210. When the sensor chamber 200 is coupled to the tee coupling, such as 106, and pool water passes through the tee coupling and flows over the water trap wall 206 and is trapped in the sensor water trap 210. The sensor water trap 210 is configured to be at the bottom of the sensor chamber 200. In some pool installations, the water drains from the plumbing when the pump is turned off. To address this, the disclosed sensor chamber includes have a water trap wall 206. The water trap wall 206 is configured to maintain a volume of the pool water in the sensor water trap 210 that enables a sensing element of the sensor 102 to detect water property. The water trap wall 206 retains pool water in a sensor water trap 210 when the water pump is off.

[0040] The benefit of the water trap wall 206 is that the tip of the sensor is kept wet, which prevents damage to the sensor as some sensors may be damaged if it is dry for a prolonged period. Since the sensing chamber 200 is designed to be kept upright, the water trap wall can reliably be positioned at the bottom of the opening from the tee (e.g., 106) to the sensing chamber. The height of the water trap wall 206 and the depth of the sensor water trap 210 are configured to be taller than a portion of the sensor to ensure the sensing elements 146 of IG. 1A, remain wet via sensor guard openings 148. In this configuration, the pool water can easily flow over the water trap wall 206 when the pump is running and does not drain out below the tip of the sensor 102 when the pump is off.

[0041] In a further example, the water trap wall 206 may optionally include a filter screen. The optional a filter screen (not shown) can be installed above the water trap wall 206. This allows the inline water monitoring device to be installed in front of the pool water filter, if necessary, yet still have protection from debris in the pool water, so the debris does not damage the sensor.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of an exemplary tee coupling according to an example of the disclosed subject matter.

[0043] As shown in more detail, the tee coupling 300 includes a water inlet / outlet 110, a second water piping opening 308, and a sensor pool water flow 312.

[0044] In this example, the water inlet / outlet 110 has two open ends (a first water piping opening 306 and a second water piping opening 308) configured to couple to piping that transports pool water. For example, the first water piping opening 306 may couple to an output from a pool water filter (not shown) and the second water piping opening 308 may couple to piping that delivers the pool water to the swimming pool, spa, or the like (as7IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO shown by pool water travel 304). Conversely, the tee coupling 300 may be positioned before the pool water filter and the pool water from the swimming pool, for example, is drawn into the tee coupling 300 via the first water piping opening 306 and out via the second water piping opening 308 (as shown by the pool water travel 304) on the way to the pool water filter.

[0045] The tee coupling 300 serves to deliver the pool water to the sensor chamber as shown in FIGs. 1 A-2. Upon entering the tee coupling 300, the pool water is distributed via sensor pool water flow 312 of the tee coupling 300 to the sensor chamber as shown by the sensor pool water supply 302. "Sensor pool water supply" refers to a water pathway in the tee coupling that enables water to exit the tee coupling to fill the sensor water trap, such as sensor water trap 210 of FIG. 2.

[0046] As mentioned with respect to earlier examples, the water inlet / outlet flange 116 enables the tee coupling 300 to couple to a sensor chamber flange of the sensor chamber (shown in the earlier examples) and the sensor pool water flow 312 enables pool water to flow to the sensor chamber when the sensor chamber is coupled to the tee coupling via the respective flanges 114 and 116.

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates a right-side view of an example of an inline water monitoring device such as that shown in FIG. 1 A.

[0048] In this example of an inline water monitoring system 400, the sensor chamber 406 and the filtration tee coupling 410 are coupled together with the sensor 402 and the monitoring circuitry housing 404 in position to monitor the pool water. As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 402 is installed in and secured to the sensor chamber 406 by the sensor nut 408, the sensor 402 is positioned at a predetermined angle (e.g., M degrees) within the sensor chamber 406. In an example, M degrees may be 15, 20, 25, 45 or the like degrees from the vertical axis (shown as 0 degrees). In particular, the sensor chamber 406 maintains a constant upright orientation. When properly placed, the sensor 402 stays in an angled vertical orientation in the sensor chamber 406.

[0049] In an example, a keying system permits the placement of the sensor 402 at the predetermined angle and position in the sensor chamber 406. For example, the sensor 402 may have a ridge or ridges in its outer housing that align with a sensor opening, such as sensor opening 138, and / or with keyways within walls of the sensor chamber 406. The predetermined angle of the sensor 402 in the sensor chamber 406 provides benefits for the sensing of the water property because the angled sensor 402 enables air bubbles to exit from the sensor 402. In more detail, when the sensor 402 is installed in a sensing sensor chamber8IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO 406, especially with turbulent water, it is possible for small air bubbles to form. These air bubbles may potentially coalesce around sensitive parts on the tip of the sensor 402, such as the glass bulb (not shown) that senses pH. These air bubbles may create an air gap preventing the water from touching the glass bulb (or other sensitive parts of the sensor) and prevent proper detection or sensing of water property. Therefore, the sensing chamber 406 is configured such that the sensor is installed at an angle (such as 15, 20, 25, 45 degrees or the like) to allow the bubbles to slide off, rather than coalesce on the tip of the sensor. In addition, in embodiments in which the sensor has a guard with holes (i.e., sensor guard opening 148 of FIG. IB), and if not properly aligned, it is possible that if one of the holes is not lined up with the part of the sensor 402 that is most angled upward, the guard could possibly trap the bubbles. Therefore, in an example, keys in the sensor 402 and complimentary keyways in sensing chamber 406 enable the sensor 402 to only be installed one way. For example, a sensor lining of the sensor 402 may be imprinted with an arrow on it that lines up with an arrow on the sensor chamber 406 to ensure that one of the holes (sensor guard opening 148) in the guard lines up with the highest part of the angled sensor, and ensures that bubbles can escape up to the side and not get trapped on the sensor 402.

[0050] As mentioned in earlier examples, the monitoring circuitry housing 404 is configured to also be easily removable from the filtration tee coupling 410 in the case that monitoring circuitry within the monitoring circuitry housing 404 is updated or damaged. In addition, the monitoring circuitry housing 404 is configured to couple to the filtration tee coupling 410 at an angle (i.e., Z degrees) that allows water (whether rain, pool water, irrigation system water, or the like) to run off and not accumulate on the monitoring circuitry housing 404. The Z degree angle of the monitoring circuitry housing 404 may be 10, 15, 35, 43 degrees, or the like from the vertical axis (shown as 0 degrees).

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a left side view of the example of the inline water monitoring device shown in FIG. 1 A.

[0052] When the sensor chamber 104 and the tee coupling 106 of the inline water monitoring system 100 are coupled together. The inline water monitoring system 100, when coupled to swimming pool piping, is operable to begin detecting or sensing water property of the pool water.

[0053] In some implementations, the monitoring circuitry housing 506 may contain electronics (i.e., water monitoring circuitry 508) that may receive signals from water property sensors within the sensor 102. For example, the electronic components of the water monitoring circuitry 508 within the monitoring circuitry housing 506 may include one or9IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO more of a processing device (e.g., a processor, microprocessor, logic circuitry); memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, and the like) for temporary storage and / or permanent storage of measured data, as well as storage for a number of driver programs, algorithms, programming instructions, applications, and the like, and one or more wireless communication transceivers (e.g., Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, cellular (e.g., LTE or 5G)). In a further example, the processing device of the monitoring circuitry housing 506 may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors within the sensor 102 and be operable to store measured data in a memory.

[0054] In addition, the monitoring circuitry housing 506 may house an accelerometer (and an amplifier) operable to generate signals indicative of water flow through the water inlet / outlet 110 of the tee coupling 106. In an example, the monitoring circuitry housing 506 may include an upper housing portion 502 and a lower housing portion 504. The electronic water monitoring circuitry 508 is held within the upper housing portion 502 and the lower housing portion 504. In an example, the upper housing portion 502 is attachable to the lower housing portion 504 via magnets, clips, screws or other fasteners. The lower housing portion 504 is structured to provide a water-tight enclosure for the monitoring circuitry 508.

[0055] In an example, the monitoring circuitry 508 may include the accelerometer. The accelerometer enables the inline water monitoring system 100 to determine that the pool is in use and that the current readings from the sensor data or measured data from the sensor, such as sensor 102, are accurate or have a high-level of trustworthiness. For example, referring to floating or submersed water monitoring systems, when the sensor is in the pool every sample it takes is representative of the water in the pool. However, when the sensor 102 is installed inline as in the inline water monitoring system 100, the water in the piping / plumbing does not always represent the pool water in the pool. For example, when the pump is off, and the day is hot, the pool water in the plumbing / piping may be much hotter than the pool water in the pool. Similarly, chlorine in pool water degrades over time, so the sanitizer level in the pool water in the plumbing / piping may not be representative of the sanitizer level of the pool water in the pool. Therefore, being able to determine if the pump is on (i.e., operating) or not contributes to the degree of accuracy or trustworthiness of the sensor 102 readings (i.e., sensor data or measured data). When the pump is on per the accelerometer readings, the inline water monitoring system 100 can trust that the chemistry readings in the plumbing are representative of the chemistry in the pool itself. In another example, the accelerometer, when the pump is on, may generate signals that are10IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO substantially consistent with the flow of water. The monitoring circuity 508 may be operable to use the accelerometer data to determine that water is not flowing. For example, when the signals generated by the accelerometer are not substantially consistent with water flow, the monitoring circuity 508 may be operable to generate a notification to be sent to a user device that water is not flowing.

[0056] Alternatively, or in addition, the detected sensor data may be used to detect whether the water pump is on. For example, the detected water property values may not vary (e.g., within a threshold amount) from previously detected water property values or the like, and the system can determine that the pump is not operating. In addition, or alternatively, the monitoring circuitry 508, based on the lack of variation of the detected water property values, is operable to determine that water is not flowing through the tee coupling and may be operable to generate a no-flow alert, for example, after a period of time, such as 8, 10, 18, 24 hours, or the like. These sensor signals may be evaluated separately from or in combination with the accelerometer signals to make a no water flow determination.

[0057] Based on either or both of the accelerometer signals or the evaluation of the water properties detected by the sensor, the monitoring circuitry 508 may be operable to determine a weekly / daily pump run schedule based on the determined water flow data. The weekly / daily pump run schedule may, for example, be used to exclude data samples that are obtained outside the determined weekly / daily pump run schedule. Other exemplary uses of the weekly / daily pump run schedule may include determining and / or generating an alert that the pump run schedule has not switched with the occurrence of daylight savings time, use the pump run schedule to track and calculate energy consumption and costs, or the like.

[0058] In addition, the monitoring circuitry 508 may include a transceiver or the like, which is operable to establish a communication pathway with a data network via an access point (such as a WiFi access point or cellular access point). A processor (not shown) in the monitoring circuitry 508 may be operable to use the established communication pathway to, for example, couple to a cloud-based service and / or a user device (e.g., computer, tablet, smartphone, or the like). The processor may transmit sensor data (e.g., detected water properties, waterflow data, or the like) to the cloud-based service or user device (not shown) for presentation to a user and / or processing and / or analysis. A result of the sensor data analysis may be returned to the monitoring circuitry 508 or user device for further action by the respective processors and / or device. An example of the monitoring circuitry 508 and additional functions performed by the monitoring circuitry 508 include those described in11IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO US Patent Application 18 / 499346, published as 20240142429, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] The sensor, such as sensor 102 or sensor 402, may include one or more water property sensors operable to measure at least one property of the water. The types and configurations of the water property sensors are known and may be configured to be implemented in the sensor 102. In some implementations, the sensor 102 is configured to provide data on, for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation, one or more of: water temperature, water pH, total water hardness, total water alkalinity, chlorine level, bromine level, ORP, cyanuric acid level, total dissolved solids, phosphate levels, or metal levels. It is also envisioned that sensor 102 may be operable to deliver less information, such as, specifically providing limited data on that is considered most relevant by the user like water temperature, water pH and ORP.

[0060] Of course, the disclosed sensor, such as sensor 102 or sensor 402 may be configured with a number of different sensors relevant to the quality and status of the water being monitored and be operable to provide more or less information than described above. In addition, the sensor 102 may be configured and operable to measure chemical properties (e.g., pH, alkalinity, and the like) and / or properties environmental (e.g., water temperature, air temperature, and the like) at a desired reading frequency (e.g., every second, every minute, every 30 minutes, every hour, twice a day, once per day, and so forth).

[0061] The disclosed sensor may be communicatively coupled to the disclosed monitoring circuitry within the disclosed monitoring circuitry housing. For example, the disclosed sensor may include a BLE transceiver operable to pair with the monitoring circuitry within the monitoring circuitry housing. Alternatively, the disclosed sensor may be wired to the monitoring circuitry.

[0062] Certain examples of the present disclosure were described above. It is, however, expressly noted that the present disclosure is not limited to those examples, but rather the intention is that additions and modifications to what was expressly described herein are also included within the scope of the disclosed examples. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the numerous examples described herein were not mutually exclusive and may exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations were not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed examples. In fact, variations, modifications, and other implementations of what was described herein will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing12IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO from the spirit and the scope of the disclosed examples. As such, the disclosed examples are not to be defined only by the preceding illustrative description.

[0063] It is emphasized that the Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow a reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single example for streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed examples require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed example. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate example. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Moreover, the terms "first," "second," "third," and so forth, are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0064] The foregoing description of examples has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner and may generally include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.13IPTS / 200108218.1

Claims

Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An inline water monitoring device, comprising: a sensor chamber configured to secure a sensor in contact with pool water, the sensor operable to measure at least one property of the water; and a tee coupling operable to couple to piping that transports the pool water, wherein the sensor chamber and the tee coupling are configured to couple together and provide pool water to the sensor.

2. The inline water monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the tee coupling and the sensor chamber are further configured to be coupled to one another in a plurality of orientations.

3. The inline water monitoring device of claim 2, wherein: the tee coupling further comprises a water inlet / outlet flange having a plurality of detents; and the sensor chamber further comprises a sensor chamber flange having a plurality of protrusions configured to mate respective detents of the plurality of detents of the water inlet / outlet flange.

4. The inline water monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the sensor chamber further comprises: a sensor water trap, and a water trap wall, wherein the water trap wall is configured to maintain a volume of the pool water in the sensor water trap that enables a sensing element of the sensor to detect a water property.

5. The inline water monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the sensor chamber comprises: a sensor opening operable to receive the sensor and maintain the sensor at a predetermined angle and orientation within the sensor chamber.

6. The inline water monitoring device of claim 5, further comprising: a sensor storage plug configured to fit into the sensor opening when the sensor is removed.

7. The inline water monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the tee coupling comprises:14IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO a water inlet / outlet having two open ends configured to couple to piping that transports pool water; and a water inlet / outlet flange that enables the tee coupling to couple to a sensor chamber flange of the sensor chamber, wherein the water inlet / outlet includes a sensor pool water supply to the water inlet / outlet flange that enables pool water to flow from the piping into the sensor chamber when the sensor chamber is coupled to the tee coupling.

8. The inline water monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the tee coupling is operable to rotate with respect to the sensor chamber.

9. The inline water monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising: an accelerometer operable to generate signals indicative of water flow through a water inlet / outlet of the tee coupling.

10. The inline water monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the sensor chamber maintains a constant upright orientation, and the sensor stays in an angled vertical orientation in the sensor chamber.

11. The inline water monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising: a monitoring circuitry housing configured to maintain electronic water monitoring circuitry in a waterproof environment.

12. The inline water monitoring device of claim 11, wherein the monitoring circuitry housing comprises: an upper housing portion; and a lower housing portion, wherein the lower housing is structured to contain the electronic water monitoring circuitry.

13. An inline water monitoring system, comprising: an inline water monitoring device, wherein the inline water monitoring device includes: a sensor chamber configured to secure a sensor in contact with pool water, the sensor operable to measure sensor data related to the water; and a tee coupling operable to couple to piping that transports the pool water, wherein the sensor chamber and the tee coupling are configured to couple together and provide pool water to the sensor; and15IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO a monitoring circuitry housing including monitoring circuitry operable to receive the sensor data output from the sensor and determine a water property based on the received sensor data.

14. The inline water monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the sensor chamber comprises: a sensor water trap, and a water trap wall, wherein the water trap wall is configured to maintain a volume of the pool water in the sensor water trap that enables a sensing element of the sensor to detect at least one water property.

15. The inline water monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the tee coupling further comprises: a water inlet / outlet having two open ends configured to couple to piping that transports pool water; and a water inlet / outlet flange that enables the tee coupling to couple to a sensor chamber flange of the sensor chamber, wherein the water inlet / outlet includes a sensor pool water supply through the water inlet / outlet flange that enables pool water to flow to the sensor chamber when the sensor chamber is coupled to the tee coupling.

16. The inline water monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the monitoring circuitry housing is coupled to the tee coupling.

17. The inline water monitoring system of claim 16, wherein the monitoring circuitry housing, when coupled to the tee coupling, is positioned at an angle to repel water from the monitoring circuitry housing.

18. The inline water monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the monitoring circuitry comprises: an accelerometer operable to generate signals indicative of water flow through a water inlet / outlet of the tee coupling.

19. The inline water monitoring system of claim 13, further comprising: a monitoring circuitry housing configured to maintain electronic water monitoring circuitry in a waterproof environment.

20. The inline water monitoring system of claim 19, wherein the monitoring circuitry housing comprises: an upper housing portion; and16IPTS / 200108218.1Attorney Docket No. GNG-002WO a lower housing portion, wherein the lower housing is structured to contain the electronic water monitoring circuitry.17IPTS / 200108218.1

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