Cover-Compatible Water Analyzer With Projecting Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional water analyzers for swimming pools and spas face issues with pool covers, either obstructing cover deployment or causing connectivity problems when submerged under the cover.
Innovation Solution
A water analyzer with a submergible portion and a projecting portion, where the projecting portion extends above the pool cover, allowing for deployment without overlapping and maintaining wireless communication, even when the cover is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the water analyzer is placed at the waterline, then it can monitor water characteristics effectively, but it obstructs pool cover deployment and prevents the cover from closing
Solution Approach 1:
The water analyzer is segmented into two distinct portions: a submergible portion for water monitoring and a projecting portion that extends above the pool cover. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its function independently - the submergible portion remains in water for monitoring while the projecting portion clears the pool cover deployment path.
Solution Approach 2:
The water analyzer transitions from a single-level floating design to a multi-level structure where the projecting portion extends vertically above the water surface and pool cover. This dimensional change allows the analyzer to maintain its monitoring function while clearing the horizontal deployment path of the pool cover.
2Ease of operation
If the water analyzer goes under the pool cover when deployed, then it does not obstruct cover closure, but it suffers from connectivity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The analyzer is divided into portions with different functions: the submergible portion handles water sensing while the projecting portion houses communication components. This segmentation allows the communication portion to remain accessible above the pool cover for maintaining connectivity while the sensing portion remains in water.
Solution Approach 2:
The projecting portion acts as an intermediary structure that extends through the pool cover boundary. It provides a pathway for communication signals to pass through or around the pool cover, maintaining connectivity between the submerged analyzer and external systems without requiring the analyzer to be fully accessible.
3Strength
If the projecting portion has large thickness, then it provides structural support, but it may overlap the pool cover and cause deployment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The analyzer employs non-uniform thickness distribution across its structure. The submergible portion has greater thickness for structural support and sensor housing, while the projecting portion has reduced thickness to minimize pool cover interference. This local quality variation optimizes both structural integrity and cover compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the geometric parameter of thickness along the length of the water analyzer. The thickness parameter transitions from larger values in the submergible portion to smaller values in the projecting portion, allowing the structure to maintain strength where needed while reducing interference with pool cover deployment in the projecting region.
Data Source
AI summary
A water analyzer for a swimming pool or spa includes a submergible portion and a projecting portion. The projecting portion extends upwards from the submergible portion and defines a top end of the water analyzer. A maximum thickness of the projecting portion may be less than a maximum thickness of the submergible portion. Additionally, or alternatively, the projecting portion does not overlap a pool cover