Wireless Pool Water Level Monitoring With Non-Contact Fill Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool water level monitoring and filling systems are prone to human error, mechanical failures, corrosion, and inefficiencies due to reliance on mechanical floats, timers, capacitance potentiometers, and traditional RF transmission protocols, leading to costly repairs, water waste, and lack of remote monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
A Wireless Pool Water Level Monitor and Filler system comprising a sensor system, valve actuation system, and mobile app that uses Wi-Fi communication and a cloud-based main broker server to continuously monitor and adjust water levels, incorporating inductive and capacitive sensors and graphite potentiometers for accurate level detection and solar-powered operation, with remote monitoring and control capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual filling with hose is used, then water level can be maintained, but human error occurs and safety hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The pool filling system automatically monitors water level using sensors and activates the fill valve when water level drops below the lower limit, eliminating the need for manual intervention and removing safety hazards associated with manual hose filling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical hose filling with an automated electronic control system that uses water level sensors, microprocessor logic, and electrically actuated fill valves to maintain water level automatically
2Measurement precision
If mechanical floats are used for water level sensing, then water level can be detected, but corrosion and mechanical failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical float sensors with non-contact electronic water level sensors that use electromagnetic fields to detect water level, eliminating mechanical wear and corrosion issues while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from mechanical displacement (float position) to electrical parameter changes (capacitance or inductance variations) that occur as water level changes, providing more reliable sensing
3Measurement precision
If capacitance potentiometers are used for continuous water level measurement, then water level can be monitored, but corrosion from pool chemicals occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive potentiometer sensors with non-contact electromagnetic sensing elements that measure water level through changes in electrical field capacitance or inductance without physical contact with pool water, eliminating corrosion from chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field between the sensor and water, allowing water level measurement without direct contact between electrical components and corrosive pool chemicals
4Ease of operation
If traditional RF transmission protocols are used for wireless communication, then remote monitoring is possible, but noise and interference from other RF units occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from traditional RF protocols to Wi-Fi based communication, utilizing different frequency bands and modulation schemes that are less susceptible to interference from other RF devices commonly found in pool environments
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
The system effectively maintains optimal water levels, reduces human error and mechanical failures, minimizes water waste and repair costs, and provides users with remote access and feedback, ensuring efficient and reliable pool water management.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating inductive and capacitive sensors and graphite potentiometers for accurate level detection
Implementation Method 2
incorporating inductive and capacitive sensors and graphite potentiometers for accurate level detection
Implementation Method 3
solar-powered operation
Data Source
AI summary
The Wireless Pool Water Level Monitor and Water Filler is a device that maintains the water level in a pool between predetermined limits: an upper limit and a lower limit. The device comprises a sensor system, and a valve actuation system. The sensor system monitors the water level of the pool. The valve actuation system controls the water flow into the pool. The device may further comprise a mobile app and a main broker server. The mobile app remotely monitors the data gathered by the sensor system and remotely controls the valve actuation system and the water flow to the pool. The main broker server stores the data gathered from the monitoring of the water level of the pool.