Inductive Power Couplings for Pool Equipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrically-powered pool and spa equipment requires external power supplies and cables, which are unsightly and limit the pool cleaner's operation due to battery capacity constraints, necessitating frequent recharging.
Innovation Solution
A buoyant power supply with photovoltaic cells and inductive power couplings that wirelessly transmit energy to underwater devices, eliminating the need for external power sources and cables, and allowing continuous operation through solar energy and rechargeable batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external power supply with cable is used to power pool equipment, then continuous power supply is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible cables and external power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is extracted from the traditional external location and integrated directly into the pool equipment housing, eliminating the need for external cables and power supply units while maintaining continuous power supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
An inductive power coupling system acts as an intermediary between the power source and the pool equipment, enabling wireless power transfer through electromagnetic fields and eliminating visible cables while maintaining reliable power supply
2Shape
If battery-powered underwater cleaners are used to eliminate external cables, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but power availability decreases due to limited battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by providing uninterrupted inductive power transfer from the pool equipment to the underwater cleaner, eliminating the need for battery recharging and maintaining constant power availability
Solution Approach 2:
The underwater cleaner receives power autonomously through inductive coupling with the pool equipment, eliminating the need for external battery replacement or recharging operations by the user
3Ease of operation
If inductive power coupling is used to eliminate external cables, then aesthetic appearance and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases due to inductor circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive power coupling components are merged into the existing pool equipment housing and filtration system, integrating the inductor circuits with other system components to minimize additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pool equipment housing serves multiple functions: it contains the filtration system, provides structural support, and houses the inductive power coupling components, thereby reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality
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
Provides a self-sustaining power solution for pool and spa equipment, reducing the need for external cables, enhancing safety, and enabling continuous operation without frequent recharging, while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photovoltaic (solar) cell positioned on the buoyant housing for collecting sunlight and converting same to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
Mating of the inductive power couplings allows energy to be wirelessly transferred from the first inductor circuit to the second inductor circuit through an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A cable swivel for inductive power couplings for powering pool or spa components is provided. A swivel component allows a power cable to a pool or spa component, such as an electric pool cleaner, to swivel when the inductive power couplings are coupled together. The couplings include a first inductive coupling that can be positioned within and/or mounted into a wall fitting, a second inductive coupling that inductively couples with the first inductive coupling, and a swivel component attached to the second inductive coupling for allowing the second coupling to swivel with respect to the first inductive coupling. A retainer ring engages with the wall fitting and retains the first and second couplings and the swivel component in position within the wall fitting.