Local Feature Controller for Pool Equipment Wireless Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and labor associated with installing conduits and cables for pool and spa equipment, due to electrical and safety requirements, necessitates a solution to reduce these expenses.

Innovation Solution

A local feature controller that can be pre-programmed and autonomously operate or be controlled by a central controller, equipped with a liquid crystal display and user input keys, and powered by rechargeable batteries, solar panels, or liquid turbines, allowing for reduced conduit and cable installations by controlling devices near their location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a central controller is provided for controlling pool and spa equipment, then control functionality is achieved, but installation costs and labor time increase due to required conduit and cable runs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time and labor

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a central controller and multiple distributed local feature controllers. Each local controller is positioned near the equipment it controls (pumps, filters, heaters, lights), eliminating the need for long conduit and cable runs from a single central location. This segmentation maintains centralized control functionality while dramatically reducing installation complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Local feature controllers act as intermediaries between the central controller and the equipment. These intermediate devices receive control signals wirelessly from the central controller and execute local control functions, eliminating the need for direct wired connections between the central controller and each piece of equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conduits and cables are installed from each water feature to the equipment pad, then electrical code and safety requirements are met, but expense and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical safety complianceVSAvoidconduit and cable installation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired control system with a wireless communication system. Local feature controllers communicate with the central controller via wireless signals (such as radio frequency), eliminating the need for extensive cable and conduit installations while maintaining reliable control functionality and meeting electrical safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If control cables are run from each feature to the central controller, then control signals can be transmitted, but installation cost and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal transmissionVSAvoidinstallation cost and labor

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Physical cable connections for control signal transmission are replaced with wireless communication technology. The local feature controllers and central controller exchange control signals and data wirelessly, maintaining complete control functionality while eliminating the costly and labor-intensive process of installing control cables through conduits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Significantly reduces the time, labor, and costs associated with installing conduits and cables by enabling local control of pool and spa features, requiring only short runs of cables and potentially a single fluid conduit or electrical cable to the filtration system and central controller.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a liquid turbine installed inline with a return line from the pool's filtration system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydroelectric power generation: Water Turbine

Data Source

PatentUS10492268B2Local feature controller for pool and spa equipment

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 HAYWARD IND INC

AI summary

A local feature controller for pool and spa equipment is provided. The local feature controller can be pre-programmed to selectively control operation of devices near the local feature controller, namely, a valve actuator, water fountain, pool light, landscaping light, etc. The local feature controller can operate autonomously, or under the control of the central controller. The local feature controller could include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and associated user input keys for allowing a user to interact with and control the controller. The local feature controller could be buried underground, and it could be powered by one or more local power sources, namely, a rechargeable battery, line-level (AC) power, a solar panel, or a liquid turbine installed inline with a return line from the pool's filtration system.