Swim-in-Place Pool Flow Control Using Swimmer Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swim in place pool systems are cumbersome for users to adjust water flow speed, failing to accommodate varying user preferences comfortably and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A swim in place pool system with sensors and processors that automatically adjust water flow speed based on the swimmer's location, using artificial intelligence and neural networks to predict and adapt to the swimmer's position and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are provided for water flow speed, then users can change swimming intensity, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects swimmer presence using sensors and adjusts water flow speed without requiring manual user input. The control system self-regulates the pump operation based on detected parameters, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention for adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor swimmer position and water flow conditions, feeding this information back to the control system which then adjusts pump operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to user needs without manual adjustment operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple water circulation speeds are provided, then different user preferences can be accommodated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses variable speed pumps with continuously adjustable flow rates rather than discrete fixed-speed motors. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to provide any speed within a range, accommodating different user preferences without requiring multiple separate circulation systems or complex mechanical speed change mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pump (flow rate, pressure) through electronic control rather than through mechanical reconfiguration. By adjusting electrical parameters to the motor drive, the system can smoothly transition between different water flow speeds, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If automatic sensor-based control is implemented, then water flow speed adjusts seamlessly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic sensor-based detection and motor control. Sensors detect swimmer presence and position, and electronic control systems adjust pump speeds, substituting mechanical user interaction with automated electro-hydraulic control that appears simple to the user despite the underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions: detecting swimmer presence, determining swimmer position, regulating water flow speed, and potentially monitoring other pool parameters. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
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 provides seamless and efficient adjustment of water flow speed, accommodating different swimming intensities and styles, enhancing user comfort and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a pump operable to pump water from the primary conduit inlet
Implementation Method 2
configured to create a swimming flow in the basin with the primary conduit inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A swim in place system and method are provided. The system comprises a swim in place pool, at least one sensor, at least one pump associated with said at least one sensor, at least one processor, and a memory comprising instructions which when executed by the at least one processor configure the at least one processor to perform the method. The method comprises receiving object location data from at least one sensor, and actuating the at least one pump associated with the at least one sensor when the object is positioned inside a set perimeter within said swim in place pool. The object positioned in a swim in place pool.