Automated Basin Water Level Control With Sensor-Actuated Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water level control systems for pools are manual, cumbersome, and lack adequate monitoring capabilities and flow control, leading to inefficiencies and potential issues with flooding, chemical concentration, and pump operation.
Innovation Solution
An automated water level control system that includes sensors, a control program, and a refill valve system with an actuated controller, allowing for continuous monitoring and precise adjustment of water levels through a network of sensors and actuators to maintain optimal water levels and chemical balances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual monitoring and valve operation is used, then the system is simple, but the operation is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic water level control where the control unit autonomously monitors water levels via sensors and operates refill or drain valves without human intervention. The system self-regulates by comparing sensor data with target levels and automatically adjusting valve positions to maintain optimal water levels, eliminating manual operation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical valve operation with an automated control system comprising electronic sensors, a control unit, and electrically actuated valves. The mechanical action of manually opening/closing valves is substituted by electronic control signals that automatically adjust valve positions based on real-time water level measurements.
2Measurement precision
If external mounting devices are used, then installation is simple, but monitoring capabilities are limited and flow control is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a unified control architecture: water level sensors, control unit, refill valve, and drain valve are merged into a coordinated system. The control unit consolidates monitoring and control functions, receiving signals from sensors and simultaneously managing both refill and drain valves to achieve precise water level regulation with enhanced monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives and processes signals from water level sensors, determines target water levels, controls both refill and drain valves, and maintains optimal water levels through continuous monitoring and adjustment. This multi-functional design enhances monitoring precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If automatic control system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: water level sensors for monitoring, a control unit for decision-making, refill valves for water addition, and drain valves for water removal. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high productivity through automated operation while managing complexity through functional decomposition and modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for monitoring a water level in a basin are disclosed. An automatic refill system includes a level sensor coupled to a refill valve system. The refill valve system has a valve driven by an actuator. The actuator receives a signal from a controller in response to a measured water level. The refill valve system flows water into a basin from a water source until a desired level is reached.