IoT Pool Equipment Monitoring for Installation Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pool and spa equipment control systems are costly to install and maintain, and lack connectivity, leading to inefficient monitoring and diagnosis of installation issues and malfunctions, resulting in unnecessary professional visits and potential equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A network connectivity and remote monitoring system that provides 'Internet-of-Things' functionality for pool and spa equipment, using a combination of sensors and control logic to detect improper installation and malfunctions, such as temperature discrepancies and stuck valves, allowing for diagnostic reports and automated corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired communication and electrical conduits are used for pool equipment control, then reliability of control is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (WiFi module, cloud server) that mediates between the pool controller and remote devices, eliminating the need for complex hard-wired communication infrastructure while maintaining control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical hard-wired communication systems with wireless communication systems (WiFi, cellular), substituting physical conduit infrastructure with electromagnetic signal transmission to reduce installation complexity
2Measurement precision
If sensors and monitoring systems are installed at equipment pad, then measurement precision of equipment status is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pool controller multi-functional by integrating sensor data acquisition, wireless communication, and diagnostic capabilities into a single device, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the controller and monitoring functions into a single integrated system, merging data acquisition, processing, and communication capabilities to reduce the number of separate components while maintaining measurement precision
3Loss of time
If remote monitoring capabilities are added to existing pool equipment, then loss of time for diagnosis is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously collecting and analyzing equipment data in real-time, performing diagnostics before problems manifest, which reduces diagnosis time while using existing controller resources rather than adding complex new systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where sensor data is continuously monitored, analyzed, and used to generate diagnostic information and alerts, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing diagnosis time through automated information feedback to users
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.