Floating Solar Power Unit for Cable-Free Pool Cleaning Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool cleaning robots are limited by the need for costly and bulky power cables or hoses, which can be entangled and restrict pool usage, and there is a growing need for battery-powered or solar-powered systems that are modular and adaptable to changing user requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pool cleaning system featuring a floating unit with photovoltaic solar cells that charges a battery, which can power a submerged pool cleaning robot and includes modular components for interchangeable operation modes, allowing wireless charging and flexible power supply options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pool cleaning robots use electrical power cables or suction hoses, then they can provide continuous power supply, but the cables and hoses are costly, bulky, can get entangled and temporarily limit pool usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply system from the pool cleaning robot, placing solar panels and batteries in a separate floating unit. This separation eliminates the need for cumbersome cables and hoses connecting the robot to power sources, allowing the robot to operate wirelessly while the floating unit remains stationary on the water surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating unit acts as an intermediary between the solar power source and the pool cleaning robot. It contains solar panels that capture energy, stores it in batteries, and wirelessly transmits power to the robot via electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for direct physical cable connections while maintaining continuous power supply.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pool cleaning robots use battery power, then cable constraints are reduced, but there is a need for modular and interchangeable components to maintain continuity of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pool cleaning system into separate modular components: the pool cleaning robot, the floating power unit, and interchangeable battery packs. Each component can be independently replaced or upgraded, allowing users to swap batteries or entire units to maintain continuous operation without affecting other system parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating unit is designed with universal power transmission capability that can charge multiple battery packs through electromagnetic induction. The system can accommodate different battery configurations and robot models, providing multi-functional adaptability while maintaining reliable power supply across various operational scenarios.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are integrated on a floating unit, then renewable power supply is achieved, but the system complexity increases with wireless charging infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The floating unit serves itself by capturing solar energy through onboard panels and automatically storing it in its battery system. The unit then provides wireless power transmission to the pool cleaning robot without requiring external intervention, management, or complex control systems, simplifying the overall energy management architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with electromagnetic induction for power transmission. The floating unit generates an electromagnetic field that wirelessly transfers energy to the robot's battery, eliminating the need for physical plug-and-play connectors while reducing mechanical wear and connection complexity.
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 continuous and flexible pool cleaning operations with reduced cable constraints, providing a cost-effective and adaptable solution for pool maintenance by utilizing solar power and modular components for efficient battery charging and power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
pool cleaning system featuring a floating unit with photovoltaic solar cells that charges a battery
Implementation Method 2
The float may wirelessly provide power to the pool cleaning robot or to the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A pool cleaning robot that may include a housing; a power supply cable interface for interfacing with a power supply cable; wherein at least a part of the power supply cable is external to the housing; a power supply control unit, and a wireless charging interface. The power supply control unit may be configured to control (a) a provision of power from the power supply cable to the wireless charging interface; and (b) a provision of power from the wireless charging interface to one or more power consuming elements of the pool cleaning robot