Swimming Pool Flow Device with Integrated LED Status Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of swimming pools with counter-current systems often experience uncomfortable interactions with strong currents due to the inability to see the location and condition of the system, particularly where the current exits.

Innovation Solution

A device with a housing containing a flow-generating mechanism, featuring light sources arranged near the outlet, which can be controlled electronically and are designed to indicate the operating state, with a ring-shaped holder and LED lights that provide visual cues for user safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If counter-current systems generate strong current in swimming pool, then swimming exercise capability is improved, but user safety and awareness of current location deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswimming exercise capabilityVSAvoiduser safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses light sources that emit different colors to indicate various operating states of the counter-current system. Different colors provide visual information about the system status, allowing users to aware of current location and conditions without compromising the hydrotherapy function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light sources as an intermediary signaling mechanism between the counter-current system and users. These light sources serve as visual mediators that convey system status information to users, enabling safe interaction with the strong current while maintaining exercise benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If light sources are arranged in immediate vicinity of outlet, then user awareness of current location is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser awareness of current locationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the housing to serve multiple functions: it contains the flow-generating device, provides structural support, and incorporates light sources for signaling. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining several functions into a single integrated unit rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the light sources with the housing structure, integrating them into the existing device architecture. The light sources are positioned within the housing in the immediate vicinity of the outlet, combining the flow generation and signaling functions in a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If multiple light sources are used to indicate operating state, then information provision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation provisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple light sources capable of emitting different colors to convey various operating state information. This color-coded signaling system provides comprehensive information about system status using relatively simple and cost-effective LED or similar light-emitting components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 user safety by clearly indicating the location and operating status of the counter-current system, reducing the likelihood of uncomfortable interactions with the strong current.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light source (5), in particular a plurality of light sources (5), which can indicate the operating state of the system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3819443B1Device for generating a strong flow in a swimming pool with at least one light source
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 BINDER VERMOGENSVERWALTUNG GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3819443B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3819443B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP3819443B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The present invention presents a device (1) with a housing (2) in which an underwater drive (4) with an adjustment mechanism for setting the angle α to the water surface of the swimming pool is arranged. The housing (2) has a water inlet (6) and a water outlet (7), which is shown in various embodiments. Around the water outlet (7) of each housing (2, 2') is an annular holder (10) which accommodates a plurality of electrically/electronically controlled light sources (5). The holder (10) can be designed differently in both form and function for different housings.