Acoustic Control of Underwater Pool Cleaners Without Wired Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic swimming pool cleaners face challenges in wireless communication due to the difficulty of transmitting radio frequency signals through water, necessitating wired connections that can be prone to pulling issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a communication system that uses sound signals, such as audible pulses or ultrasonic signals, to control submerged pool cleaners, allowing wireless communication through both air and water without the need for wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used for controlling submerged pool cleaners, then reliable communication is achieved, but the system becomes prone to pulling issues and reduced flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an acoustic communication system. The pool cleaner uses acoustic transducers to send and receive sound signals through the water, eliminating the need for physical cables that are subject to pulling and tangling issues while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sound waves as an intermediary medium for communication between the pool cleaner and external controllers. Acoustic signals serve as the mediator that transmits control commands and status information through the water environment without requiring direct physical contact or wired connections.
2Ease of operation
If wireless RF communication is used for controlling pool cleaners, then flexibility is improved, but signal transmission through water becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the communication signal from electromagnetic waves (RF) to acoustic waves (sound). This parameter change allows the signal to propagate effectively through the water medium, as sound waves are much more efficient at transmitting through water than radio frequency signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sound-based communication is implemented, then wireless control through water is achieved, but additional communication sensors and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates acoustic communication functionality into the existing pool cleaner platform, making the system multi-functional. The same acoustic transducers can serve both as propulsion elements and communication devices, reducing the need for completely separate communication hardware.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective control of submerged pool cleaners using sound-based communication, enhancing flexibility and reducing the risk of wired connection issues, while allowing for various control commands and location/orientation determination.
Implementation Method 1
the communication sensor may receive a sound signal while the automatic swimming pool is at least partially submerged
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and methods for wirelessly communicating underwater with equipment such as, but not necessarily limited to, automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs) are detailed. Such communication avoids any need for conventional wired communication with the APCs. In some cases sounds may be used to communicate, and such sounds may travel through both air and water.