Pool Robot Inductive Charging Through the Pool Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cleaning robots (PCRs) require cumbersome electrical cables for power supply, which are aesthetically and functionally inconvenient, and there is a growing demand for battery-operated, cable-free solutions that can efficiently charge underwater without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inductive electromagnetic connection (EMC) system using a transmitter unit (TX) embedded in the pool structure and a receiver unit (RX) on the PCR, allowing for non-contact, wireless charging by positioning the TX externally and the RX to align and connect with the pool wall or floor for power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical cables are used to power pool cleaning robots, then power supply is reliable, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and operational convenience worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic induction system. The transmitter unit (TX) embedded in the pool structure and receiver unit (RX) on the robot enable wireless power transfer through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical cables and significantly improving operational convenience and aesthetics while maintaining power supply reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field between the power source and the robot. The TX unit acts as an intermediary that converts electrical energy to electromagnetic energy, which then transfers power to the RX unit on the robot without requiring direct physical contact, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable power supply and operational convenience
2Reliability
If inductive transmitter unit is located behind pool wall, then pool safety improves and aesthetics are maintained, but power transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a magnetic flux copy or replica that penetrates through the pool wall barrier. The TX unit generates a magnetic field that is copied through the wall structure to the RX unit, allowing power transfer while maintaining the physical separation required for safety and aesthetics. This magnetic field copying enables efficient power transfer despite the wall barrier
3Ease of operation
If cable-free battery operated system is implemented, then operational convenience improves and aesthetics improve, but charging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service charging system where the robot automatically docks with the TX unit and initiates power transfer without human intervention. The system autonomously manages the charging process, eliminating the need for manual cable connection and simplifying user operation while the automated docking mechanism handles the complexity of wireless charging alignment and connection
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
This solution provides a safe, efficient, and automatic battery charging mechanism for PCRs, reducing human effort and eliminating the need for physical cables, while maintaining pool safety and aesthetics by using inductive power transfer technology.
Implementation Method 1
inductive electromagnetic connection (EMC) system using a transmitter unit (TX) embedded in the pool structure and a receiver unit (RX) on the PCR, allowing for non-contact, wireless charging by positioning the TX externally and the RX to align and connect with the pool wall or floor for power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for charging a pool related platform (PRP), the method may include (i) positioning a first wireless charging element (WCE) of the PRP within a charging range of a second WCE of a charging unit that is movable and is located at a temporary PRP location that is outside an interior of a pool structural element; wherein the positioning comprises moving the first WCE towards the PRP location; and (ii) wirelessly charging, by the second WCE, the first WCE while maintaining the first WCE within the charging range of the second WCE.