Pool Cleaner Wireless Navigation Using RSSI to Reach Docking Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamic pool equipment units lack effective navigation capabilities to reach external stations outside water pools, such as charging or maintenance stations, due to limited wireless communication capabilities and reliance on underwater communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A wireless unit connected to the dynamic pool equipment unit estimates the direction of external stations based on Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of intercepted wireless signals, transmitting movement instructions to navigate the equipment towards these stations using wired or wireless communication channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic pool equipment units use underwater communication protocols, then they can maintain communication while submerged, but they cannot effectively navigate to external stations outside the water pool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aerial component that serves as an intermediary between the underwater pool equipment and external stations. This component extends above the water surface to establish wireless communication links with external devices, enabling navigation functionality without compromising underwater communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct parts: an aerial component for external wireless communication and navigation, and an underwater component for reliable submerged communication. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function for its specific environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic pool equipment units are equipped with wireless communication interfaces for external stations, then they can navigate to external stations, but the hardware complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial component is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as an antenna for wireless communication with external stations, acts as a navigation sensor for detecting external signals, and provides structural support for both underwater and aerial operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic pool equipment units rely on external stations outside water pools, then they can access charging and maintenance facilities, but they lack autonomous navigation capability to reach these stations
Solution Approach 1:
The pool equipment unit autonomously navigates to external stations by using its own aerial component to detect wireless signals from external stations and calculate its position relative to them. The system performs self-navigation without requiring external guidance or complex external infrastructure.
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
Enhances the efficiency and reliability of dynamic pool equipment units by enabling them to reach external stations, improving connectivity, reducing latency, and minimizing hardware and maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
measuring received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of wireless signals transmitted by the one or more external stations via the wireless communication channel and intercepted via the second interface
Data Source
AI summary
A system for navigating a dynamic pool equipment unit is disclosed. The system comprises a wireless unit physically connected to the dynamic pool equipment unit deployed in a water pool, allowing the wireless unit to move with the equipment while partially out of the water. The wireless unit includes a first interface for communicating with the equipment unit via a first communication channel, and a second interface for intercepting wireless signals from external stations via a wireless communication channel. A controller navigates the equipment unit towards the external station(s) by measuring the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of intercepted wireless signals, estimating the direction of the external station(s) based on RSSI analysis, and transmitting movement instructions to the equipment unit to advance in the estimated direction.