Solar-Powered In-Pool Docking Station for Horizontal Cleaner Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery-driven swimming pool cleaners face challenges in charging due to the need for external power cables and mechanical fasteners, which are unsightly and difficult to install, and traditional docking stations require complex vertical alignment and mechanical releases for docking.

Innovation Solution

A solar-powered, in-pool docking station with a flexible support system that conforms to the pool's shape, allowing horizontal docking without mechanical fasteners or external cables, featuring a solar panel as the base and an adjustable, articulated support for secure anchoring and wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional docking stations use external power cables and mechanical fasteners, then reliable power supply and secure anchoring are achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes external power cables and mechanical fasteners from the system by integrating a solar panel directly into the docking station structure. The solar panel serves as both the power source and the anchoring mechanism, eliminating the need for separate external components and complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the solar panel simultaneously provides power generation, structural support, and anchoring functions. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate power cables and mechanical fasteners, simplifying both the system and its installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If docking stations are anchored with mechanical fasteners, then secure positioning is achieved, but pool structure integrity is compromised and installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking station stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical fasteners that would require drilling into the pool structure. Instead, the solar panel is anchored using its own weight and friction against the pool surface, removing the need for invasive installation methods while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The solar panel's substantial weight serves as a counterbalancing force that prevents the docking station from moving or detaching. This gravitational anchoring method provides secure positioning without requiring mechanical fasteners that could compromise the pool structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Power

If external power cables are used to supply power to docking stations, then reliable power delivery is achieved, but aesthetic appearance and safety are deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes external power cables from the system by integrating a solar panel directly into the docking station. This eliminates the visual clutter and safety hazards associated with exposed cables while maintaining reliable power delivery through the solar-generated electricity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station generates its own power through the integrated solar panel, eliminating the need for external power sources and cables. This self-sufficient power generation method improves safety by removing external electrical connections while ensuring continuous power supply for the pool cleaner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Provides a sturdy, aesthetically pleasing, and safe charging solution that eliminates the need for external cables and mechanical fasteners, enabling easy installation and simplified docking and deployment of pool cleaners.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic Effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250366688A1In-pool docking station and associated methods

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A docking station for a self-propelled swimming pool cleaner and associated methods provide a sturdy, in-pool docking station which does not require a mechanical anchor or device other than the weight of the base. Additionally, or alternatively, the in-pool docking station may be adapted for charging and/or supplying power to the self-propelled pool cleaner without requiring external power cables. Additionally, or alternatively, the docking station may allow for horizontal docking between the self-propelled pool cleaner and the dock.