Pool Equipment Light Guides for Reliable Underwater Signaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool equipment in swimming pools and spas faces challenges in effectively transmitting and receiving light signals due to improper placement, orientation, and the disruptive effects of water on light signals, limiting their functionality for communication, lighting, and visual effects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light guide system that conducts light signals from a dry electrical compartment of pool equipment through water to desired areas without direct electronic connections, using embedded light guides such as optical fibers, allowing for improved transmission and reception of light signals for communication, lighting, and sensing purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional equipment is used to transmit light signals in pool environments, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but light signal transmission effectiveness deteriorates due to improper placement, orientation, and water interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light guides as intermediary components that transmit light signals from the dry electrical compartment through water to the pool environment. These light guides act as mediators between the protected electronic components and the water-exposed signaling area, enabling reliable light transmission while maintaining equipment integrity and protecting electronics from water damage
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment is divided into distinct functional segments: a dry electrical compartment containing electronics, and wetted portions with light guides that extend into the water. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal environment - electronics remain dry while light transmission occurs in the water-exposed portions
2Reliability
If equipment is placed in water for optimal light signal transmission, then communication and lighting effectiveness is improved, but electrical component protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Light guides serve as intermediaries that conduct light signals from the dry electrical compartment through the water interface to the pool environment. This allows the electrical components to remain protected in the dry compartment while still achieving effective light signal transmission in the water
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical connections that would require equipment to be submerged with optical signal transmission through light guides. This substitution allows communication and light signaling without requiring electrical components to be exposed to water
3Ease of manufacture
If light emitters are directly connected to electrical components, then electrical connection simplicity is maintained, but modular assembly and disassembly capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components: a dry electrical compartment with electrical components, and separate light guide assemblies that can be independently installed and removed. The light guides are coupled to the electrical compartment without permanent electrical connections, enabling easy modular assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The light guides act as intermediary components that connect the electrical compartment to the pool environment without requiring direct electrical connections between wet and dry portions. This intermediary approach simplifies modular assembly by decoupling the electrical and optical connection requirements
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 the effectiveness of light signal transmission and reception in pool environments by maintaining modular assembly and disassembly, facilitating improved communication, lighting, and sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of a light guide system that conducts light signals from a dry electrical compartment of pool equipment through water to desired areas without direct electronic connections, using embedded light guides such as optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
Pool equipment for a swimming pool or spa includes a dry electrical compartment and at least one light guide for conducting light signals to and/or from the dry electrical compartment. A method may include conducting light signals from a light emitter onboard a piece of pool equipment and through water using a light guide. Additionally, or alternatively, a method may include conducting light signals from an external location, through water, and to a piece of pool equipment using a light guide.