Static Pipe Water Level Control With UV Algae Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional water level management systems for pools require significant electrical power, leading to high installation costs, heat production, and potential issues with algae growth affecting sensor accuracy, necessitating periodic cleaning and additional costly features to mitigate these issues.
Innovation Solution
A water level management system utilizing a water sensor in a static pipe connected to a processor and battery, powered by a low-power data channel, which controls fill and drain valves electromechanically, and includes an ultraviolet light for algae prevention, with an orientation sensor to prevent eye injuries during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional electro-mechanical water level management systems are used, then water level control functionality is achieved, but high power consumption (500-2000 mA inrush current, 200-500 mA operating current) and associated heat production occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electro-mechanical relay/switch systems with a microcontroller-based electronic control system. The microcontroller (e.g., ATmega328P) uses solid-state switching and digital signal processing to control water level management, eliminating the need for high-current electro-mechanical relays and reducing power consumption and heat generation significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using pulse-width modulation (PWM) and duty-cycle control to manage power delivery to solenoid valves. This allows the system to achieve the same mechanical valve actuation function with much lower average power consumption compared to continuous high-current electro-mechanical switching.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional water level management systems are installed, then water level control is achieved, but extensive electrical infrastructure and additional electrical components are required for safe power delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-power electro-mechanical switching components from the water level management system and replaces them with low-power electronic control. This eliminates the need for heavy-gauge wiring, electrical breakers, and complex electrical infrastructure, allowing installation in locations where traditional systems would be unsafe or impractical.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller serves as an intermediary between the low-power control circuitry and the high-power solenoid valves. It uses efficient switching techniques and power management to bridge the gap between low-power microcontroller operation and the higher-power valve actuation requirements, minimizing the electrical infrastructure needed.
3Measurement precision
If water level sensors are exposed to water environment, then water level detection is achieved, but algae growth obstructs the sensor and negatively affects accuracy and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the water level sensor in a static pipe that is isolated from the main water body, or by using hydrophobic coatings and algae-resistant materials on the sensor surface. This preventive measure stops algae growth before it can obstruct the sensor, maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring periodic cleaning or additional water treatment systems.
4Extent of automation
If electro-mechanical valves are used for water level control, then automatic water level management is achieved, but significant inrush current and operational current are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing duty-cycle control and pulse-width modulation (PWM) for valve actuation. Instead of continuous high-current operation, the microcontroller applies short pulses of power to the solenoid valves only when needed for opening or closing, dramatically reducing average power consumption while maintaining automatic control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using real-time feedback from water level sensors to dynamically adjust valve operation. The microcontroller continuously monitors water level and adjusts valve opening/closing timing and duration based on actual conditions, optimizing power consumption while maintaining precise automatic water level control.
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 power consumption, eliminates the need for extensive electrical infrastructure, maintains accurate water level readings by preventing algae growth, and provides a self-contained, energy-efficient system for managing pool water levels.
Implementation Method 1
a battery designed to be charged by a low-power data channel... The battery can discharge the needed power
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet light can be positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the static pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein include systems and methods for improved water level management in a body of water, such as a pool, spa, or pond. An example system includes a water sensor in a static pipe connected to a body of water, a processor receiving signals from the sensor, a memory, and a battery charged via a low-power data channel. When the sensor detects a low-water-level condition, the system opens a fill valve to add water to the body of water. An ultraviolet light can illuminate a portion of the pipe for purposes of preventing algae growth, and an orientation sensor provides a level of safety by deactivating the light for orientations outside a threshold range that could indicate installation or maintenance on the system. The system components can all be contained in a housing that can be mounted to an end of the static pipe.