Remote Pool Light Controller with LED Preview Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool light controllers are challenging to use for selecting desired light settings, especially when the controller is distant from the pool, leading to difficulties in visibility and potential unintentional changes during installation, and are time-consuming for users unfamiliar with preprogrammed settings.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with a remote light controller that includes a switch with multiple positions corresponding to different light programs, a user interface, and a computing system that allows users to select and preview light settings without being physically near the lighting devices, using inputs and illumination regions to display and set the desired settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the light controller is placed remote from the pool for convenient installation and aesthetics, then installation flexibility is improved, but visibility of light settings when selecting programs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses LED indicators on the controller to create visual copies of the light settings that will be displayed. These LED copies allow users to see what the pool lights will display without being physically near the pool, resolving the contradiction between remote controller placement and visibility of settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If menu-based program selection is used in conventional controllers, then multiple color programs can be selected, but the selection process becomes time-consuming and allows for unintentional changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the program selection process by using physically separated switches for different functions (program selection, setting selection, confirm). This segmentation allows users to quickly navigate through programs and settings without navigating complex menus, reducing selection time while maintaining multiple program options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based menu navigation system with a mechanical switch-based system. The physical switches provide direct, immediate control over program and setting selection, eliminating the time-consuming nature of menu navigation while preserving the ability to select multiple color programs.
3Ease of operation
If installers must power on the controller during setup to access menu options, then program selection is possible, but installation becomes more complex when power is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple physical switch positions that correspond to different light programs and settings. This allows installers to configure the system without needing to power it on first, as all selection options are available through the mechanical switch positions before power is applied.
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 users to easily select and set light programs for pool lighting systems without being near the lights, reducing installation time and minimizing the risk of unintentional changes, while supporting multiple types and brands of lighting devices.
Implementation Method 1
the light controller includes one or more light sources, and a switch mechanism including a switch and one or more switch positions, wherein each of the one or more switch positions corresponds with a different light program
Data Source
AI summary
A light controller for pool lighting systems is detailed herein. The light controller can include a switch mechanism for controlling light settings of a lighting device. Switch positions of the switch mechanism can each correspond to a different light program. When a switch is positioned at one of the switch positions, the light controller can display one or more corresponding light settings of the light program corresponding to the switch position. A user may select a light setting for the pool lighting systems based on the displayed light settings. In response to the light setting being selected, the lighting device can cause the pool lighting systems to output the selected light setting of the light program.