Floating Pool Controller with Real-Time Cu Ion Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pool water cleaning devices lack the ability to adjust the amount of Cu ions dispensed based on real-time pool conditions, leading to potential over or under-dosing, which can result in discoloration, unpleasant taste, and even render the water unusable.

Innovation Solution

A floating pool water controller that includes a dispenser assembly for Cu ions, a control mechanism to adjust the current applied to a stainless steel coil for precise Cu ion dispensing, and a sensing probe to monitor and record pool conditions such as temperature, pH, and conductivity, allowing remote adjustments via a smartphone app.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Cu ions are continuously dispensed into the pool without control, then the pool water is cleansed and purified, but the pool water can turn green and become unpleasant and even unswimmable due to excessive Cu ion concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepool water purificationVSAvoidwater discoloration and unpleasant taste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback control system where a sensor continuously monitors the Cu ion concentration in the pool water and feeds this information back to the control circuit. The control circuit adjusts the current applied to the electrolytic cell based on the sensor readings, maintaining Cu ion concentration within the optimal range (0.2-1.0 ppm) to prevent both insufficient purification and excessive discoloration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the electrical current parameter applied to the electrolytic cell based on real-time pool conditions. The control circuit adjusts the current intensity according to sensor feedback, temperature readings, and user-defined parameters, thereby controlling the rate of Cu ion generation to match actual pool water quality needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the amount of Cu ion dispensed is increased to ensure sufficient purification, then germicidal effectiveness is improved, but the pool water may become green and unusable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegermicidal effectivenessVSAvoidwater usability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor provides continuous feedback on Cu ion concentration, allowing the system to automatically adjust dosing levels. This eliminates the need for manual estimation and ensures Cu ion concentration remains within the therapeutic range that provides germicidal effectiveness without causing discoloration or unpleasant taste that would reduce water usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-regulation by automatically monitoring pool water quality and adjusting Cu ion dosing without human intervention. The microcontroller and control circuit autonomously manage the electrolytic process, maintaining optimal conditions for both purification effectiveness and water quality acceptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a floating pool cleaner is used to add chemicals to the water, then the device is easy to deploy and operate, but there are no controls to adjust the amount of Cu ion dispensed based on real-time pool conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice deploymentVSAvoidadjustability to pool conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The floating device integrates multiple functions: it serves as both a chemical dispensing system and a monitoring station. The device combines the electrolytic Cu ion generation system with temperature sensors, conductivity sensors, and a control system, allowing it to adapt to different pool conditions while maintaining ease of deployment as a single floating unit.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static, fixed-dose chemical addition to dynamic, real-time adjustment of Cu ion dosing. The control circuit continuously adapts the electrolysis rate based on sensor feedback and changing pool conditions, enabling the device to respond dynamically to temperature changes, water composition variations, and usage patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 the precise and adjustable dispensing of Cu ions based on real-time pool conditions, preventing extreme cases of water degradation and ensuring safe and clean pool water, even when the pool owner is not physically present.

Implementation Method 1

The object of this structure is to cause a chemical reaction between the brass rod 206 and the electrically charged coil 208 in an aqueous solution, whereupon, the result is providing Cu ion into the pool. The Cu ion is dispensed into the water upon an electrical charge being applied to the coil 208. An electrolytic reaction is started, which results in the production of Cu ions in the aqueous solution or pool water in this case.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolytic reaction: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS9631388B2Floating pool water controler
Publication Date: 2017.04.25 HUI WING KIN MARTIN
  • US9631388B2 patent drawing
  • US9631388B2 patent drawing
  • US9631388B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a floating pool water controller for dispensing germicide and antimicrobial material into a swimming pool based upon real time pool conditions. The controller includes the ability to adjust to these ever changing conditions in real time, and, to do so remotely. The controller includes a housing adapted for floating on the pool water. Additionally, a dispenser is provided for dispensing Cu ion into the pool and includes a dispenser assembly connected to the housing. The controller is provided with a controller for adjusting the amount of Cu ion dispensed into the pool water. And, the controller includes a probe extending from the housing into the pool water for sensing pool conditions. Thus, upon sensing the pool conditions in real time, the controller can be adjusted to dispense the proper amount of Cu ion into the pool water.