Proximity-Controlled Interface Device for Swimming Pool Covers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorized cover installations for swimming pools lack safety and convenience, as they can be activated remotely by unauthorized individuals and require cumbersome control methods, often impacting aesthetics and user proximity during operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a smartphone-connected interface device with a wireless communication module that modifies the control range using Bluetooth Low Energy technology, ensuring the cover structure can only be moved when the user is in proximity, with password protection and intuitive app-based control for secure and visual oversight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control or radio control is used to operate the cover installation, then the user can control the cover from a distance, but unauthorized persons or children can also activate the movement, creating a safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the control system with proximity detection) between the remote control and the cover motor. This intermediary verifies the user's proximity to the cover before allowing activation, thus preventing unauthorized operation while maintaining convenient remote control functionality for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting the user's proximity to the cover installation and providing confirmation or preventing activation based on this detection. The system gives feedback to the user about whether their command will be executed, ensuring that only nearby users can activate the cover, thereby maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If a fixed control console is mounted in the vicinity of the cover installation, then the user can visually control the movement, but the control console has an impact from an aesthetic point of view and may not be found when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the smartphone serve multiple functions: it acts as both a remote control for operating the cover and a proximity verification device. This eliminates the need for a separate fixed control console, maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring safe visual control through the proximity detection feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control functionality from a fixed physical console and relocates it to a portable device (smartphone). This removes the aesthetic burden of a visible control console while retaining the control capability, and the proximity detection is integrated into the mobile device's communication range verification.
3Ease of operation
If the control range is extended to allow remote operation, then convenience is improved, but the risk of unauthorized activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control range dynamic rather than fixed. The effective control distance is adjusted based on real-time proximity detection - the system allows remote operation only when the user is within a safe proximity threshold, and automatically restricts the control range if the user moves too far away, thus balancing convenience and safety.
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 safety and convenience by ensuring the cover structure can only be moved when the user is nearby, allowing for visual control and easy, secure operation through a smartphone app, while being simple to install and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless communication module (11) configured to receive first command signals from communication means (21) of a portable device (20)
Implementation Method 2
modifies the control range using Bluetooth Low Energy technology
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
Interface device (10) for a motorized cover installation (1), such as for example of the type comprising a movable cover structure (3) for a swimming pool (2), said interface device (10) comprising: - a wireless communication module of the radio type (11) configured to receive radio signals sent by corresponding radio communication means (21) of a smartphone (20), - a control and / or processing unit which is connected and / or integrated in said radio communication module (11), and characterized in that: - said control and / or processing unit is configured so as to modify and set the reception or transceiving range of the radio communication module (11) on the basis of at least one setting signal which is sent by said radio communication means (21) of said smartphone (20), and which is received by said radio communication module (11) of the interface device (10), - the radio communication module (11) is configured to receive command signals, which are sent by corresponding radio communication means (21) of a smartphone (20), only if the distance between said smartphone (20) and the interface device (10) is less than the previously set range of action, and also characterized by the fact that it comprises electrical connection means for making the command signals received by the radio communication module (11) reach at least one actuation device (4) of said motorized cover installation (1), to thus correspondingly control said at least one actuation device (4).