Solar Pool Skimmer Navigation Using Sensors and Paddlewheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pool cleaning devices lack intelligent directional and navigational control, often becoming trapped in obstacles and failing to efficiently cover the entire pool surface, leading to repetitive cleaning routes.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous solar-powered pool skimming system with independently controlled paddlewheels, distance sensors, and processing units that plan and execute traversal paths across the pool surface to collect debris, avoiding obstacles and navigating efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical means (arms, bumpers, wheels) are used for redirection, then the device can physically redirect itself after encountering pool walls, but the device becomes trapped in tight corners and obstacles without intelligent directional control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical redirection systems (arms, bumpers, wheels) with an intelligent control system that uses sensors and processors to detect obstacles and calculate avoidance maneuvers. The mechanical paddlewheels are controlled by a processor that receives sensor data, enabling the device to navigate around obstacles intelligently rather than relying on passive mechanical bumpers or arms for redirection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-navigation and self-redirection by autonomously detecting obstacles with sensors and executing avoidance maneuvers without external intervention. The processor continuously monitors sensor data and automatically adjusts paddlewheel operation to navigate around tight corners and obstacles, making the system self-sufficient in avoiding traps.
2Device complexity
If traditional devices rely on mechanical means for navigation, then the structure remains simple, but the device travels the same route repeatedly without covering and cleaning the entire pool surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based navigation system where sensors continuously monitor the device's position and detect obstacles, providing real-time data to the processor. The processor uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the traversal path, ensuring comprehensive pool surface coverage while avoiding repeated routes. The system processes sensor input and generates appropriate navigation commands to optimize cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system is dynamic and adaptive, continuously adjusting the traversal path based on real-time sensor data and pool conditions. Rather than following a fixed mechanical route, the device dynamically modifies its path to cover unused areas of the pool surface, improving overall productivity and cleaning efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are used to power the system, then energy consumption is reduced and environmental impact is minimized, but the device requires sufficient light conditions to operate effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting operational modes based on available solar energy. The system monitors power availability from solar cells and adapts its operation accordingly, modifying traversal speed, path selection, and functional operations to match available energy levels. This allows the device to operate effectively across varying lighting conditions while maintaining energy efficiency.
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
The system effectively and efficiently cleans pool surfaces by avoiding traps and navigating around obstacles, ensuring thorough coverage with minimal human intervention and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply operable to power the processing units and the motors from energy supplied by the solar cells
Implementation Method 2
Two or more paddlewheels may be coupled to the body. An independent motor may drive each paddlewheel.
Implementation Method 3
two or more distance sensors, one or more solar cells, and a power supply operable to power the processing units and the motors from energy supplied by the solar cells
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods can support an autonomous pool skimming system. The pool skimming system may have a body with two or more hulls. Two or more paddlewheels may be coupled to the body. An independent motor may drive each paddlewheel. The motors may be independently controllable to support steering. The pool skimming system may have one or more processing units, two or more distance sensors, one or more solar cells, and a power supply operable to power the processing units and the motors from energy supplied by the solar cells. One or more processing modules may configure the processing units to plan and execute a traversal path across the surface of a body of water, such as a swimming pool, to collect debris into a removable basket. A portion of the traversal path may be established according to signals from distance sensors.