Pool Chemical Delivery UAVs for Remote Water Quality Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for maintaining swimming pools and spas are time-consuming and labor-intensive, as they require manual or automatic cleaning and chemical application, limiting the efficiency of pool-care professionals and their ability to service multiple pools.

Innovation Solution

The use of unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) equipped with sensors and chemical dispensing capabilities to autonomously or remotely apply chemicals and other maintenance items to swimming pools and spas, allowing for efficient and remote management of water quality and debris removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual or automatic cleaning and chemical application methods are used, then water quality can be maintained, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of pools serviced per unit timeVSAvoidtime required for chemical application and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pool maintenance system performs self-service through automated chemical dosing mechanisms that automatically add chemicals to the pool based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and enabling the system to maintain itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses water quality sensors to continuously monitor pool conditions and provides feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts chemical dosing rates to maintain optimal water quality without requiring manual testing or adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 3:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems including electronic sensors, computerized control units, and automated chemical dispensing mechanisms that can service multiple pools sequentially without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If pool-care professionals visit each pool manually, then water quality can be maintained, but the number of pools they can service is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of pools serviced per professionalVSAvoidoperational complexity of automated systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automated pool maintenance system is designed as a universal platform that can service multiple different pools using the same equipment and procedures, allowing professionals to manage many pools from a centralized location rather than visiting each site individually

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary automated control system that acts as a mediator between the pool-care professional and the actual pool maintenance operations, allowing the professional to monitor and control multiple pools remotely without direct physical presence at each location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11634224B2Aerial delivery of chemicals for swimming pools and spas

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Airborne unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) may be used to hover over swimming pools or spas and dispense chemicals (or other materials or devices) directly thereinto. UAVs alternatively or additionally may include sensors designed to identify certain characteristics of pools or spas or of the water therein. The UAVs further may hover over, or land on, pool pads or other areas adjacent or near a pool or spa to deliver or receive parts or other objects.