Autonomous Pool Dispenser with Self-Circulating Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dispensing chlorine in swimming pools are not energy-autonomous and require human intervention to adjust the rate of dissolution, necessitating a pre-existing liquid circulation circuit.
Innovation Solution
A floating, energy-autonomous device that circulates liquid through a reservoir containing a solid compound, using sensors and wireless communication to regulate the flow rate of dissolved solid compound into the pool water, minimizing human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a pre-existing liquid circulation circuit is used to dissolve and distribute solid compound, then the dissolution rate can be controlled, but the device cannot operate autonomously and requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses its own pump to circulate liquid through its internal reservoir, dissolving solid compound and distributing it autonomously without requiring external circulation circuits or human intervention. The system serves itself by integrating all necessary functions within a single floating unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it contains the solid compound reservoir, houses the pump for liquid circulation, incorporates sensors for monitoring, and performs autonomous control. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external circulation circuits.
2Extent of automation
If manual control of dissolution rate is implemented using shutters or adjustable orifices, then the chlorine level can be adapted, but human intervention is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that monitor the liquid parameters and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the pump automatically adjusts the liquid circulation rate through the reservoir, thereby controlling the dissolution rate of solid compound without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms (shutters, adjustable orifices) with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and a pump to regulate liquid flow and dissolution rate automatically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is placed in a skimmer zone for water circulation, then dissolution can occur, but it requires the pre-existence of a specific zone in the pool
Solution Approach 1:
The device carries its own pump and liquid circulation system, allowing it to function independently without relying on external pool circulation zones or skimmers. It can be placed anywhere in the pool and will autonomously circulate liquid through its reservoir to dissolve and distribute the solid compound.
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
The device effectively dispenses a solid compound into pool water without a pre-existing liquid circulation circuit, allowing for autonomous operation and adjustable flow rates based on real-time sensor data and wireless signals.
Implementation Method 1
a circulating flow of the liquid coming from the volume of liquid and entering the reservoir via the intake orifice washes over at least part of the reserve of solid compound and dissolves and carries a flow of dissolved solid compound
Data Source
AI summary
A floating and energy-autonomous device (1) configured to dispense a solid compound (2) into a volume (3v) of liquid is provided. The device (1) has a reservoir (9) of solid compound (2), and a pump (13) configured to generate a circulating flow of the liquid (3) coming from the volume (3v) of liquid and passing through the reservoir (9) before returning to the volume (3v) of liquid. The device (1) includes a sensor (17) generates a sensor signal indicative of a parameter of the volume (3v) of liquid or of a gaseous environment (4) of the device (1), and/or an antenna (18) configured to receive a radio signal, and to generate an antenna signal. The device (1) includes a microcontroller (19) configured to command the pump (13) and to regulate the circulating flow rate of the liquid (3) on the basis of the sensor signal and/or of the antenna signal.