Plumbed In-Line Sensor Housing for Pool Water Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems for swimming pools and spas face issues such as reduced sensor life due to excessive water flow, potential drying out when pipes are drained, and require additional fittings and space for installation, which complicates the measurement of oxidation reduction potential (ORP) and pH levels.
Innovation Solution
A plumbed in-line sensor system with a sensor housing positioned within the pipe to limit water flow, maintain water around the sensors, and include a baffle to divert water flow, ensuring sensors remain wet even when the pipe is drained, and integrate a water bond to prevent stray current, allowing for easy installation with minimal wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted in the main plumbing line to measure ORP and pH, then measurement capability is achieved, but excessive water flow reduces sensor life
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented from the main plumbing line through the use of a T-fitting that creates a separate sensing chamber. This segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned in a location with reduced water flow compared to the main line, thereby extending sensor life while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A T-fitting and sensor housing act as an intermediary structure between the main plumbing line and the sensor. This intermediary creates a controlled flow environment that reduces excessive water flow velocity directly impacting the sensor, while still allowing representative water samples to reach the sensing elements for accurate ORP and pH measurements.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted in the main plumbing line, then measurement capability is achieved, but sensors may dry out when pipes are drained
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is designed with a water retention feature that preliminarily ensures water remains around the sensor even when the main pipe is drained. This preliminary action of maintaining water presence prevents the sensor from drying out and maintains its reliability for subsequent measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing creates a localized environment with different quality characteristics than the main pipe. Specifically, the housing design ensures water retention around the sensor, creating a local zone that maintains moisture even when the broader system (main pipe) is drained, thereby protecting sensor reliability.
3Reliability
If a sensor housing is mounted off the pipe, then sensor protection is achieved, but additional fittings and tubing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is merged with the T-fitting into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate fittings and tubing that would be required if the sensor housing were mounted off the pipe, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining sensor protection benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-fitting/sensor housing combination serves multiple functions: it provides sensor mounting, creates flow separation, protects the sensor, and integrates electrical connections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated components, simplifying the overall installation while maintaining comprehensive sensor protection.
4Reliability
If sensor housing is mounted off the pipe, then sensor protection is achieved, but additional space on piping is required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is nested within the T-fitting structure, utilizing the space created by the branch connection. This nesting approach allows the sensor housing to be positioned within the existing plumbing geometry rather than requiring additional external space on the piping, thereby maintaining sensor protection while minimizing space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system for swimming pools and spas is detailed herein. The sensor system can include one or more sensors positioned in a sensor housing located within a cavity of a pipe and in-line with an inlet and an outlet of the pipe. The sensor housing can divert a portion of water flowing through the cavity to an interior of the sensor housing and to an area around the sensors and maintain at least some of the diverted water in the area around the sensors even if the water is not flowing through or is drained from the pipe.