Modification Device for Wireless Control of Submerged Surface Cleaners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing submerged surface cleaning devices require users to purchase a new wireless control box, which is costly, as they are not originally designed for wireless control, and existing solutions require complex installation or software programming.

Innovation Solution

A modification device that intercepts the wired connection between the control box and the cleaning device, using an antenna and signal processing unit to receive wireless signals and transmit priority control signals to the device, allowing wireless control without the need for new hardware or user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless control box is purchased to enable remote control, then wireless control capability is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless control capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a modification device as an intermediary component that connects between the existing control box and the cleaning device. This modification device includes a wireless communication module that receives control signals from a remote control and converts them into wired signals that can be transmitted through the existing cable connection to the cleaning device, thereby enabling wireless control without replacing the entire control box system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The modification device is designed to be universally compatible with existing control box and cleaning device configurations. It can interface with standard wired connections and support multiple remote control types (infrared, radio frequency, Bluetooth), making the existing system capable of wireless control through a single additive component rather than requiring model-specific replacements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a new wireless control box is purchased, then remote control functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into three independent functional modules: the existing control box, the new modification device with wireless communication capabilities, and the cleaning device. This segmentation allows the wireless functionality to be added as a separate, standalone component rather than integrating it into the existing control box, simplifying the overall system architecture and making installation straightforward

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless control is implemented through existing solutions, then remote control capability is improved, but installation complexity and user intervention requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The modification device is designed with automatic configuration capabilities that eliminate the need for user programming or complex setup procedures. The device automatically detects the connected cleaning device and configures the communication parameters, and it includes pre-programmed signal conversion routines that work with standard remote control protocols, allowing users to simply connect the device and begin using remote control functionality immediately

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2842009B1Method and device for modifying a device for cleaning a submerged surface
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 ZODIAC POOL CARE EURO
  • EP2842009B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2842009B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and device for modifying a device for cleaning a submerged surface, the device including a cleaning appliance, a control unit suitable for sending control signals to the appliance, characterised in that a modification device is inserted onto the link between the control unit and the appliance, which modification device includes an antenna for receiving wireless request signals and a signal-processing unit for transmitting signals from the control unit to the appliance and, upon receipt of wireless request signals in the receiving antenna, for ignoring signals from the control unit, and producing and transmitting priority control signals to the cleaning appliance.