Multi-Seat Spa Control for Independent Seating Area Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control systems for bathing unit systems, such as spas and hot tubs, do not allow users to control operational settings in a seating area-specific manner, leading to a piecemeal and inefficient process for achieving desired spa experiences, especially in systems with multiple seating areas.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a user interface that allows users to select a specific seating area, presenting options for controlling bathing unit components mapped to that area, enabling personalized and independent control of spa experiences without affecting others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional control systems are used for bathing unit systems with multiple seating areas, then the system can operate bathing unit components, but users cannot control operational settings in a seating area-specific manner, resulting in a piecemeal and inefficient control process
Solution Approach 1:
The control system divides the bathing unit into multiple selectable seating areas, each with its own associated bathing unit components. Users can select a specific seating area (e.g., first seating area, second seating area) and control only the components relevant to that area, such as jets, lighting, and temperature settings specific to that zone, rather than controlling all components globally.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel presents user selectable options that allow users to pre-select their desired seating area before controlling any bathing unit components. This preliminary selection establishes the context for all subsequent control actions, automatically filtering which components can be controlled based on the selected seating area, thereby streamlining the control process.
2Measurement precision
If users manually adjust pumps and diverter components to achieve desired jet effects in specific seating areas, then seating area-specific control can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides feedback to users by displaying which seating area is currently selected and which bathing unit components are associated with that seating area. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the relationship between their selections and the resulting jet effects, eliminating the need for trial and error adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel acts as an intermediary between the user and the bathing unit components. Instead of users directly adjusting pumps and diverter components, the control panel translates user selections into appropriate component activations, automatically directing water flow to the correct seating area through controlled activation of relevant jets and diverter components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a control system allows selective activation of different pumps for separate jet areas, then some seating area differentiation is achieved, but the system still lacks comprehensive control over other bathing unit components in a seating area-specific manner
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is designed to provide universal control over multiple types of bathing unit components (pumps, jets, lighting, temperature control, audio systems) through a single unified interface. When a user selects a seating area, the system presents options to control all relevant components for that area, not just pumps, thereby extending the versatility of seating area-specific control to encompass the entire range of bathing unit features.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a bathing unit system including a receptacle with two or more seating areas and a plurality of bathing unit components is disclosed. The system comprises a) a user interface presenting user selectable options allowing a user to independently select a specific seating area of the two or more seating areas. The system further comprises b) at least one processor in communication with the user interface and configured to, in response to a user selection of a first seating area, control at least one of: operational settings of a first set of the plurality of bathing unit components, the first set of the plurality of bathing unit components being mapped to the first seating area; and a specific spa experience in connection with the first seating area at least in part by controlling the first set of the plurality of bathing unit components.