Floating Power Supply for Untethered Pool Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional swimming pool cleaning devices require a long power cord that poses tripping and tangling hazards, as they are connected to a floating power supply tethered to an external power source, making them unsightly and hazardous.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained floating power supply with a rechargeable power source and waterproof outlet, housed in a flotation unit that provides power to devices within the water body without an external connection, featuring a control panel and regulated power output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a long power cable is used to connect the floating power supply to the main power source, then the cleaning device can be used throughout the entire pool, but it creates tripping hazards and tangling risks for people around the pool

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice placement flexibilityVSAvoidtripping hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the main power cable connection from the pool environment by providing a floating power supply with an onboard power source that operates independently without requiring external cable connections. This removes the hazardous cable from the pool deck area while maintaining power supply capability throughout the pool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The floating power supply acts as an intermediary device between the main power source and the cleaning device. It receives power from a brief external connection, stores energy in its battery, and then provides continuous power to the cleaning device without requiring a persistent cable connection across the pool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If a main power cable is laid across the pool deck to reach the floating power supply, then power can be supplied to the cleaning device, but it creates an unsightly appearance and potential choking hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidchoking hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the power cable from the pool environment entirely by equipping the floating power supply with an onboard rechargeable battery. The cable is only used briefly for initial charging, then extracted from the operational environment, eliminating both aesthetic and safety concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The floating power supply is self-sufficient with its integrated battery power source. It can autonomously provide power to the cleaning device without requiring external cable connections during operation, making the system independent and eliminating cable-related hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If the floating power supply is tethered to an external power source, then continuous power can be maintained, but it limits mobility and requires cable management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power supplyVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The floating power supply features a self-contained rechargeable battery system that provides autonomous power without external tethering. The unit can be freely positioned and moved across the pool surface while maintaining continuous power supply to the cleaning device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system transitions from a static cable-connected configuration to a dynamic battery-powered configuration. The floating unit can move freely across the pool surface, adapting its position as needed while maintaining power delivery capability.

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

Eliminates the need for external power cords, enhancing safety by preventing tripping hazards and allowing flexible device placement within the pool while maintaining power to pool cleaning and lighting devices.

Implementation Method 1

a flotation unit; A power supply circuit housed within the flotation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3279409B1Floating power supply for a body of water
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 HUI WING KIN MARTIN
  • EP3279409B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3279409B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3279409B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A floating power supply (10) for a body of water has a flotation unit (11) and a power supply circuit (16) housed within the flotation unit, wherein the power supply circuit provides power to a device within the body of water while untethered to a power source external of the body of water.