Submersible Solar Panel Integration for Cable-Free Pool Cleaning Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwater pool cleaning robots face hazards and inconveniences due to external power cables, including electrocution risks, entanglement, and storage needs, which are eliminated by integrating a submersible solar panel directly attached to the robot's housing.
Innovation Solution
A submersible solar panel is firmly attached to the UPCR housing, providing power to the on-board battery without external cables or connectors, charging while on the pool deck and allowing operation underwater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If external power cables and connectors are used to power the UPCR, then the robot can receive power from external sources, but this creates electrocution hazards, entanglement risks, and storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external power cable and connector components from the system. By integrating a solar panel directly onto the UPCR housing, the design removes the need for external cables that create electrocution and entanglement hazards, while still providing power supply capability through the onboard solar charging system
Solution Approach 2:
The UPCR is equipped with its own power generation capability through an integrated solar panel that charges an onboard battery. This self-service approach eliminates dependence on external power sources and cables, allowing the robot to autonomously generate and store electrical energy for operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If a solar panel is placed on a floating unit that floats at the pool waterline, then the solar panel can charge the battery, but this requires external floating structures and complex wiring connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar panel, battery, and UPCR housing into a single integrated unit. The solar panel is firmly attached directly to the UPCR housing, combining the power generation, energy storage, and cleaning functions into one cohesive system, thereby eliminating the need for separate floating units and complex external wiring
Solution Approach 2:
The UPCR housing serves multiple functions: it contains the cleaning mechanism, houses the battery, and provides mounting for the solar panel. This multi-functional design integrates power generation and storage directly into the cleaning robot, eliminating the need for separate floating charging structures
3Power
If power cables are used to connect the power supply to the UPCR, then power can be transmitted, but the cables need to be stored and create safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external power cable from the system entirely. By equipping the UPCR with an onboard solar panel and battery, the design extracts the cable component from the power transmission pathway, eliminating storage requirements and safety hazards associated with cable handling
Solution Approach 2:
The UPCR generates and stores its own power independently through the integrated solar panel and battery system. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external power cables, making the system easier to operate without cable storage or connection concerns
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
Eliminates electrocution and tipping hazards, simplifies operation, and ensures continuous power supply without the need for external connections.
Implementation Method 1
An Underwater Pool Cleaning Robot (UPCR) with attached solar panel... UPCR powered by On-Board Batteries that are recharged by Solar Panels
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an Underwater Pool Cleaning Robot (UPCR) with a submersible Solar Panel firmly attached to the housing of the UPCR providing solar charging for the On-Board Battery of the UPCR without external electric cables or connectors. In accordance with the disclosed configuration, any risk of electrocution hazard, current interruption problem, and tipping hazard can be avoided since no external cables and electric connectors are required or used.