Pool Visual Light Communication for Wireless Sensor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pool monitoring and control systems require hard-wired connections for sensors and communication components, limiting flexibility and efficiency in data transmission and command initiation for pool components such as water circulation, lighting, and chemical balancing.

Innovation Solution

A visual light communication (VLC) system that uses LEDs to transmit encoded data through light signals across a pool system, allowing for wireless communication between pool components and a computing device, enabling the monitoring and control of pool parameters without physical wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hard-wired connections are used for sensors and communication components, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/wired communication systems with optical communication using VLC technology. Light transmitters and light sensors substitute for traditional wired connections, eliminating physical wiring while maintaining communication reliability through optical signal transmission through water.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces water as an intermediary medium for signal transmission. Instead of direct wired connections between components, electrical signals are converted to light signals that travel through water to reach receiving components, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If hard-wired connections are used for sensors and communication components, then signal transmission stability is improved, but ease of operation and installation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission stabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wiring with optical communication through water. Light transmitters and light sensors enable wireless-like communication without physical connections, making installation and reconfiguration significantly easier while maintaining stable signal transmission through the water medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The VLC system serves multiple functions: it provides both illumination for the pool and communication channels for data transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate wiring systems while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If VLC system is implemented, then ease of operation and installation are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the unique optical properties of water as a transmission medium. By changing the medium from air to water, the system achieves effective communication while the water itself provides signal stabilization, reducing the impact of manufacturing variations in transmitter and sensor alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter 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

Enables efficient, wireless data transmission and command initiation for pool components, reducing installation and operational costs while providing real-time monitoring and control capabilities for pool systems, including water circulation, lighting, and chemical balancing.

Implementation Method 1

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are one type of light that can be used in VLC. LEDs can be turned on and off quickly and perceived as a continuous beam of light.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode