Pool Acid Dispensing via Data-Powered Battery Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acid-dispensing systems for pools require a full 120V connection, lack mechanisms to detect failures, necessitate complex controller panels, and have long pressure-side tubing prone to failures, without built-in mechanisms for error detection or easy firmware updates.
Innovation Solution
An acid-dispensing device that operates using a low-power data channel to trickle-charge a battery, receives digital signals for dispensing acid, authenticates instructions, confirms water flow, and includes a flow sensor to minimize pressure-side tubing, allowing for simplified pool controllers with firmware updates and failure detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing acid-dispensing systems use a peristaltic pump powered by a 120V outlet, then the pump can operate reliably, but the system requires complex electrical infrastructure and controller panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical peristaltic pump system with a battery-powered pump system. The battery is charged through the low-power data channel from the pool controller, eliminating the need for 120V outlets and complex electrical infrastructure while maintaining reliable pump operation for acid dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a battery as an intermediary energy storage device between the pool controller and the pump. The battery is charged through the data channel and then powers the pump, serving as a mediator that decouples the pump from direct electrical connection requirements.
2Device complexity
If existing systems operate in an ON/OFF manner with direct power connection, then the system is simple to power, but the system cannot detect problems such as empty acid tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback communication system where the acid-dispensing device sends status information (such as acid tank level, pump status, error conditions) back to the pool controller through the data channel. This enables the controller to monitor system health and detect problems while the device operates on battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The data channel serves multiple functions: it provides power to charge the battery, transmits control signals to the pump, and carries status information and error reports from the device to the controller. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication wiring while enabling comprehensive monitoring.
3Productivity
If existing systems use long pressure-side tubing from the pump to water flow, then the system can deliver acid to the pool, but the tubing is prone to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acid delivery system into distinct sections with the pump located closer to the point of dispensing. By repositioning the pump and using the battery-powered design, the system reduces the length of pressure-side tubing and minimizes potential failure points while maintaining effective acid delivery to the pool.
4Power
If existing systems require additional electrical outlets or controller connections, then the pump can be powered, but the controller panel becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the direct electrical power connection system with a battery-powered system. The battery is charged through the existing data channel communication interface, eliminating the need for additional electrical outlets or power connections in the controller panel while maintaining sufficient power for pump operation.
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
Eliminates the need for a 120V connection, enables simplified pool controllers, reduces pressure-side tubing failures, and allows for real-time monitoring and error detection, ensuring safe and efficient acid dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a battery to power the pump during dispensing operations
Implementation Method 2
draws electrical current at the device through a low-power data channel. This electrical current can be used to charge a battery associated with the device
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein include systems and methods for improved acid-dispensing for pools. An example method can include drawing electrical current at the device through a low-power data channel to charge a battery. The example method can also include receiving at the device, through the data channel, a digital signal instructing the device to dispense acid. The digital signal can include an indication of an amount of acid to be dispensed by the acid-dispensing device. The acid-dispensing device can authenticate the digital signal and discharge acid based on the signal. For example, discharging acid can be performed by powering a pump using energy stored in the battery of the device. In some examples, the acid-dispensing device can confirm water flow to the pool before discharging acid.