Pool Cleaner Water Detection Using Existing Metal Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional contact water sensors in swimming pool equipment are susceptible to corrosion and increase the risk of water leakage, necessitating additional waterproofing measures.
Innovation Solution
Utilize existing metal components on self-propelled pool cleaners, such as pump housings and traction motors, to detect water contact without dedicated detection systems, monitoring power consumption changes and electrical circuit completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional contact water sensors (two metal pins) are used to detect water, then water detection function is achieved, but corrosion susceptibility increases and waterproofness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using existing metal components (pump housing, motor housing) that already contact water for their primary functions (pumping, motor operation) to also serve as water detection sensors. This eliminates dedicated water sensor pins that would compromise waterproofness, while maintaining reliable water detection through the existing metal components' electrical circuit completion when water contacts them.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated water detection systems are installed, then water detection capability is improved, but device complexity and waterproofing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates dedicated water detection systems by making existing metal components serve dual purposes: their primary functions (pump operation, motor operation) and water detection. The existing metal housings complete electrical circuits when water contacts them, providing water detection capability without adding separate detection hardware or increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing metal components of the pool cleaner serve themselves by utilizing their own structural elements (pump housing, motor housing) as the detection mechanism. The system uses its existing electrical circuits and metal parts to detect water, eliminating the need for external or dedicated detection systems.
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
Enhances waterproofness and reduces the risk of water leakage by leveraging existing components for water detection, eliminating the need for additional detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
Some equipment for swimming pools or spas may include water sensors (commonly two metal pins) that detect water based on contact of water with the sensors completing an electrical circuit between with the two metal pins
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled pool cleaner may be operable in a swimming pool or spa and includes one or more metal components which contact water during use of the self-propelled swimming pool cleaner. The self-propelled pool cleaner may detect water using the metal component. In some cases, the metal component has a primary function other than water sensing.