Underwater Pool Control Keypad With Hermetic Potting and Tool-Free Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool control panels are cumbersome to produce and unsuitable for underwater installation, requiring significant effort and complexity for interchangeability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically sealed control panel with electronic components on both sides of a carrier board, featuring a light-transparent cover with electromagnetic radiation-emitting and receiving elements, and a capacitive/inductive switching mechanism, allowing tool-free installation in a swimming pool wall tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control panel with electronic components is used for swimming pool operation, then operational control capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is divided into modular components: a front module with user interface elements (display, buttons, indicators) and a rear module with electronic components (circuits, connectors). This segmentation allows independent manufacturing and assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining full operational control capability.
2Reliability
If existing keypad designs are used, then basic control function is achieved, but reliable underwater installation becomes unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical sealing methods (gaskets, screws, adhesives) are replaced with an integrated waterproof connector system that provides inherent sealing through precision-machined mating surfaces and integrated O-ring channels. This substitution ensures reliable underwater installation while simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating multiple assembly steps.
3Reliability
If complex installation procedures are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but tool-free installation requirement cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel incorporates a self-aligning mounting system with integrated positioning features and snap-fit connectors that automatically guide the panel into the correct position and secure it without requiring tools or complex alignment procedures. The system performs its own installation function, achieving both mounting security and tool-free operation.
4Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used, then component protection is achieved, but replaceability becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is designed as separable modules with standardized connectors, allowing the front interface module to be easily detached and replaced independently of the electronic component module. Integrated sealing features ensure waterproof protection is maintained during replacement, while the modular design simplifies the replacement process to a simple connect-disconnect operation.
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
Enables reliable, effortless operation both above and underwater with enhanced operational safety and simplified installation, reducing production costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electronic switching element has a transmitter element and at least one receiver element on the side facing the user, which is arranged behind the transparent cover. The transmitting element emits electromagnetic radiation, e.g. IR radiation, which is absorbed by a receiver element upon reflection of the radiation.
Implementation Method 2
the switching elements within the control panel operating on a piezoelectric principle, thus requiring only a slight mechanical pressure to be exerted on the keypad or on the individual key.
Implementation Method 3
the at least partially light-transparent cover has at least one material thickening with light conductivity on the inward-facing surface, whereby the light guide or the material thickening is part of the cover.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention presents a device (1) with a keypad for operating a swimming pool system, which is used both underwater and above water. This device (1) essentially consists of an at least partially translucent cover (8) and a carrier board (3) arranged beneath it, which is equipped on both sides with electrical/electronic components. The side of the carrier board (3) facing the user has at least one touch-sensitive switching element (5) and at least one display element (6, 6'). The switching element (5) controls at least one device (A, B, C) of the swimming pool system. The side of the carrier board (3) facing away from the user, with a plurality of electronic components (18), is completely encapsulated with a potting compound (22), the potting compound being applied by a special method, which includes, among other things,A ring disc (20) is used, which has at least one recess (21). A projection (12) made of the same casting compound is cast onto the surface of the casting compound (22), the projection (12) serving, among other things, to enable the device (1) to be installed and removed from a tube (15) without tools.