Pool Cleaner LoRa Signaling Through Solid Pool Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies struggle to effectively transmit and receive signals underwater due to rapid absorption by water, making it difficult for devices outside a pool or spa to communicate with submerged equipment.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pool cleaner with a LoRa communication module that wirelessly communicates through contact or proximity with solid surfaces within the pool or spa, utilizing LoRa technology to transmit signals through solid volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for pool cleaners, then ease of operation is improved, but signal transmission reliability deteriorates due to rapid absorption by water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a solid surface (pool wall, floor, or structure) as an intermediary medium to transmit wireless signals. The pool cleaner contacts or proximity to this solid surface allows the signal to propagate through the solid volume rather than through water, enabling reliable wireless communication while maintaining ease of operation.
2Productivity
If the pool cleaner remains submerged, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but communication capability deteriorates due to water absorbing wireless signals
Solution Approach 1:
The solid surface acts as a mediator that enables communication while the pool cleaner remains submerged. The signal propagates through the solid volume created by the solid surface, allowing the cleaner to maintain its submerged position for effective cleaning while achieving reliable communication through the solid medium rather than through water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional water-based signal transmission to three-dimensional solid volume transmission. By utilizing the solid surface and its surrounding volume, the system creates a new transmission pathway that allows submerged devices to communicate effectively without leaving the water environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled pool cleaner may be operable in a swimming pool or spa. The self-propelled pool cleaner may be capable of transmitting wireless signals beyond a boundary of the pool or spa when the pool cleaner is in close proximity to and/or is in contact with a solid surface or structure within the pool or spa. A method of communicating between the self-propelled pool cleaner and an external device may include contacting with a solid surface of a pool or spa and/or positioning the self-propelled pool cleaner within close proximity to the solid surface.