Modular Pool Water Quality Control System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Homeowners face challenges in optimally maintaining pool water quality due to environmental and human factors, leading to overuse of chemicals and energy, with existing solutions being costly, complex, and requiring frequent manual adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A modular, battery-operated water quality management system that includes a water quality measurement module, chemical dispensing module, and communication mechanism, allowing for automated monitoring and adjustment of pool chemistry parameters, reducing the need for manual intervention and optimizing chemical use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual testing and adjustment is performed weekly, then operation simplicity is maintained, but water quality control precision deteriorates leading to overuse of chemicals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation simplicityVSAvoidwater quality control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the pool management system automatically monitors water quality parameters, analyzes test results, and adjusts chemical dosing without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by performing measurements, computing trajectories, and executing corrective actions autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical testing and adjustment operations with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and automated dispensing mechanisms to monitor and control water quality parameters continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automated systems are installed to improve water quality control precision, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater quality control precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate modular components including a test module for water quality measurement, a communication module for data transmission, and a dispensing module for chemical addition. Each module can be independently installed, maintained, and replaced, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to monitor and control multiple water quality parameters (chlorine, pH, alkalinity, etc.) using a single integrated platform, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for each parameter and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If existing automated systems are deployed, then water quality control improves, but installation complexity increases due to plumbing and electrical requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses disposable test strips that are pre-packaged and require no calibration or maintenance. These single-use test elements are simply inserted into the water, read by the system, and then discarded, eliminating complex installation and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs wireless communication as an intermediary between the test module and the control system, eliminating the need for electrical wiring. The test strips communicate results wirelessly to the processor, which then wirelessly communicates with the dispensing module, avoiding complex electrical and plumbing installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If chemical dosing is increased to ensure adequate disinfection, then water purification effectiveness improves, but harmful effects on skin and hair increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidskin and hair damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors water quality parameters and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust chemical dosing levels. By computing the dynamic trajectory of pool water quality, the system adds only the precise amount of chemicals needed to maintain effective disinfection without exceeding safe thresholds that could harm swimmers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static, fixed-schedule chemical dosing to dynamic, real-time adjustment based on actual water quality conditions. The dispensing rate is continuously adapted according to measured parameters and computed trajectories, ensuring optimal disinfection effectiveness while minimizing harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11788312B2Pool and spa water quality control system and method

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 WATERGURU INC

AI summary

A water quality management system for a water installation containing water. In some embodiments, the system includes a water quality measurement module adapted to monitor the water quality of the water in the water installation and to send water quality information to a controller; a chemical dispensing module adapted to dispense chemicals directly into the water installation in response to signals from the controller; and a communication mechanism configured to provide communication among the controller, the water quality measurement module, the chemical dispensing module and a user.