Submerged Pool Sensor Housing With Inductive PLC Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for swimming pools and spas face challenges such as unreliable data transmission, sensor damage due to removal from water, and inaccuracies in water temperature measurement when not connected to the circulatory system.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with sensors mounted on a wall submerged in the pool water, connected via wired power lines using power-line communication (PLC) protocols, allowing for reliable data transmission and power supply without the need for batteries or RF signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart floaters are used to transmit sensor data wirelessly, then data transmission is enabled, but the sensors are subject to undesired removal from the pools and may be permanently damaged if not maintained in contact with water
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensor functionality into two separate components: a fixed mounting structure that remains permanently installed in the pool to ensure stability and continuous water contact, and a removable sensor cartridge that can be easily replaced. This segmentation allows the mounting structure to provide reliable data transmission while the sensor cartridge maintains continuous contact with water, resolving the contradiction between transmission reliability and sensor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure that serves as a bridge between the pool environment and the sensor cartridge. This mounting structure provides a stable, fixed attachment point that ensures continuous water contact for the sensors while enabling reliable data transmission through its integrated communication module, thus protecting sensors from removal damage while maintaining transmission reliability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional thermometers are used in swimming pools, then water temperature display is enabled, but the sensors are disconnected from any control system and lack transmitter or receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cartridge is designed as a multi-functional device that combines temperature sensing, data processing, and wireless communication capabilities in a single integrated unit. This universal design allows the sensor to not only measure water temperature with high precision but also transmit the data to control systems automatically, eliminating the need for separate transmitters and receivers while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the measurement function and communication function into a single integrated sensor cartridge. By combining the temperature sensor, processing unit, and wireless transmitter in one compact device, the system achieves both precise measurement and automatic control system integration without increasing overall device complexity, as the merged design eliminates the need for separate components and their interconnections.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are located within the circulatory systems of pools, then water temperature measurement is enabled, but the sensors work only when pumps are active and are subject to inaccuracies because the temperature of water within the circulatory system may differ materially from that of water within the swimming pool
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is pre-installed in a fixed mounting structure positioned directly within the swimming pool water, before the water enters the circulatory system. This preliminary positioning ensures that the sensor continuously measures the actual pool water temperature regardless of pump operation status, eliminating the delay and inaccuracy associated with measuring water only within the circulatory system after it has been pumped.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cartridge is designed to be self-sufficient with an integrated power supply that enables continuous operation independent of pump activity. The sensor automatically measures and transmits temperature data whenever needed, without requiring the circulatory system to be active, thus maintaining continuous monitoring capability and accurate temperature readings regardless of pump operation status.
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 solution provides a reliable and permanent communication mechanism, ensuring accurate and continuous water condition monitoring, even when the pool circulation pump is not active, and preventing sensor damage from removal.
Implementation Method 1
communication may occur via power-line communications (PLC) protocols
Implementation Method 2
a housing with a first inductive coupling that is electrically coupled to a power line... a cartridge with a second inductive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A pool or spa control system includes a sensor system with one or more sensors in contact with a main body of water. The sensor system measures water condition data of the body of water and is mounted on a wall submerged in the main body of water. The pool or spa control system also includes a modem that facilitates data communications between the sensor system and communication equipment positioned at a different location from the main body of water.