Solar Pool Light Retrofit via Ladder Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and safety hazards associated with retrofitting lights into swimming pools, as well as the risks of electrical shock due to improper installation, are significant challenges in existing pool lighting systems.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered light assembly for swimming pools that includes a solar panel exterior to the pool, a battery, and low-voltage lights connected by internal wiring, allowing for retrofitting or original installation without visible wiring, and can be integrated into pool accessories like skimmers or stair assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light is mounted in the pool wall, then the pool can be illuminated, but the installation cost increases substantially due to sealing requirements and electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is extracted from the pool wall structure and relocated to the pool ladder. This removes the need for complex sealing and electrical connections in the pool wall, as the light is now mounted on the ladder structure which can be installed separately with simpler wiring requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pool ladder serves as an intermediary structure that carries the light fixture. Instead of directly mounting the light in the pool wall, the ladder acts as a mediator that supports the light and provides a pathway for electrical connections, simplifying the overall installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light is retrofitted into the pool wall, then existing pools can be illuminated, but the installation becomes cumbersome and costly with power cables
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is extracted from the pool wall structure and relocated to the pool ladder. This allows retrofitting existing pools without modifying the pool wall, as the light is mounted on the ladder which can be installed independently with simpler electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The pool ladder structure itself serves the dual purpose of providing access to the pool and supporting the lighting system. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate wall mounting hardware and simplifies the retrofit process for existing pools.
3Illumination intensity
If high voltage light fixtures are installed in the pool wall, then the pool can be illuminated, but safety hazards increase due to risk of electrical shock
Solution Approach 1:
The high voltage electrical connections are extracted from the pool wall area and relocated to the ladder structure above water level. This separation reduces the electrical shock risk by keeping high voltage components away from the aqueous environment where users are present.
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 reduces installation costs, enhances safety by eliminating visible wiring, and provides a cost-effective, solar-powered lighting system that can be easily installed without the need for electricians, while also being suitable for both in-ground and above-ground pools.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel for generating electricity, the solar panel being located exteriorly of the swimming pool
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly for a swimming pool which comprises a solar panel (46) for generating electricity, the solar panel being located exteriorly of the swimming pool, a battery (52) electrically connected to the solar panel, a low voltage light (36) mounted in the swimming pool, and electrical wires (68) extending between the battery (52) and the low voltage light (36) to supply power thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the light assembly may be incorporated in a retrofit stair assembly.