Aquatic Equipment Auto-Configuration Through Component Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aquatic equipment systems lack automated monitoring and configuration capabilities, limiting their efficiency and lifespan, as they rely on manual configuration and lack advanced data processing for system component updates and diagnostics.

Innovation Solution

A connected aquatic equipment monitoring system that automatically detects new components, updates operating parameters, and provides diagnostic recommendations using a central controller, sensing devices, and advanced analytics to improve system performance and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration is used for newly added system components, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to time-consuming manual setup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configurationVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects new components and configures them without human intervention. The central controller monitors the system, identifies newly added components through sensing devices, and autonomously performs configuration tasks including assigning identification elements and setting operating parameters, thereby eliminating manual configuration requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures components by automatically assigning identification elements and establishing communication protocols as soon as a new component is detected. This preliminary automatic configuration ensures the component is immediately integrated into the system without requiring subsequent manual setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual monitoring and configuration methods are used, then device complexity is low, but reliability and productivity deteriorate due to limited monitoring and analytic capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors component status, performance data, and operating parameters through sensing devices. This real-time feedback is processed by the central controller to automatically detect issues, update configurations, and optimize system performance, thereby enhancing reliability through data-driven decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The central controller performs multiple functions including monitoring, data collection, analytics processing, automatic configuration, and diagnostic recommendations. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex monitoring and analytic capabilities into a single integrated system that enhances reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automated detection and configuration systems are implemented, then productivity and ease of operation improve, but device complexity increases due to additional processing systems and data gathering capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configuration speedVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines detection, data gathering, analytics, and configuration functions into an integrated automated process centered around the central controller. By merging these functions into a unified system rather than separate independent components, the patent achieves high productivity while managing overall system complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If existing systems are used without automatic updates, then device complexity is low, but reliability and duration of action deteriorate due to inability to update operating parameters for improved efficiency and component lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent lifespanVSAvoidconfiguration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors component performance and operating parameters, comparing actual data against optimal thresholds. When deviations are detected or updates are available, the system automatically adjusts operating parameters to extend component lifespan and maintain optimal efficiency, creating a closed-loop feedback system that actively manages component health

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically updates operating parameters based on real-time data, component age, usage patterns, and manufacturer recommendations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for component lifespan and efficiency throughout the component's operational life rather than relying on static initial configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4394530A1Auto-configuration of aquatic equipment
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 PENTAIR WATER POOL & SPA INC
  • EP4394530A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4394530A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4394530A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connected aquatic equipment system is provided. The connected system includes system components, such as pool equipment, which can be automatically detected and configured based on identification elements and operating parameters of the pool components. The connected system can update the configuration settings of the pool components based on the addition of new pool components. The connected system is also designed to monitor and update the operating parameters of the pool components based, at least in part, on the status and performance of other pool components of the system.