Pool Light Cooling via Water Flow Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pool lighting systems generate excessive heat, leading to rapid deterioration and increased maintenance, as existing solutions fail to effectively dissipate heat without compromising the structural integrity or requiring expensive modifications.

Innovation Solution

A pool light assembly that utilizes the existing pool inlet or return with structural modifications, including a housing with a base and flange immersed in pool water, featuring a series of ridges for water circulation and sealing members to keep water in close proximity to the lighting elements, facilitating cooling without altering the existing pool structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high-intensity LED lighting elements are used for pool illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat generation increases causing rapid deterioration of the lighting assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination intensityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the 'Blessing in disguise' principle by converting the harmful heat generated by high-intensity LED lighting elements into a beneficial cooling mechanism. The housing is designed with water flow channels that direct pool water to flow around the lighting elements, utilizing the water's natural cooling effect to dissipate heat. This transforms the heat problem into an opportunity for active thermal management, where the pool water serves as a heat sink to maintain optimal operating temperatures and extend the lighting assembly's lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Illumination intensity

If a reflector is used to increase lighting focus and intensity, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but heat concentration increases accelerating component deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting focus and intensityVSAvoidcomponent deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the 'Intermediary' principle by introducing pool water as an intermediary cooling medium between the concentrated heat source (reflector) and the surrounding environment. The water flow channels are strategically positioned to direct cooled water across the reflector surface and around the lighting elements, acting as a thermal buffer that prevents excessive heat concentration while allowing the reflector to maintain its light-focusing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional pool lighting structures are used, then installation is simple, but heat dissipation is insufficient leading to frequent maintenance and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the 'Universality' principle by designing a multi-functional housing that simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the lighting assembly and as a heat dissipation system. The housing incorporates integrated water flow channels that perform dual functions: directing pool water flow for cooling purposes and providing structural support for the lighting elements. This eliminates the need for separate cooling components, maintaining installation simplicity while dramatically extending service life through effective thermal management.

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

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 solution effectively cools high-intensity lighting elements, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the lighting assembly while maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of the pool system, suitable for both above and in-ground pools.

Implementation Method 1

The base is provided with a series of ridges, which encourage pool water circulation through the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

pool water is used to circulate around the light assembly in close proximity to the lighting elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9732955B2Pool light assembly with cooling structure
Publication Date: 2017.08.15 HUI WING KIN MARTIN
  • US9732955B2 patent drawing
  • US9732955B2 patent drawing
  • US9732955B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a pool light assembly including cooling for the illuminating structure. The assembly includes a water inlet housing having a portion on the dry side and a portion immersed in the pool water. An assembly having sealing structure creates a leak proof connection with the pool wall. The submerged portion of the assembly includes a base. The base has an exterior exposed to the pool water and an enclosed interior including the illuminating structure. A notch is provided in the exterior of the base and extends into the interior for allowing pool water in the proximity of the illuminating structure. The assembly includes sealing structure for preventing water from entering electrically active elements, while allowing pool water to act as a cooling element. A retaining member locks and encourages waterproof sealing of the electrically active elements. Each of the elements is provided with structure as necessary to facilitate the free flow of water through the housing.