Swim-in-Place Pool Pump Control Using Swimmer Position Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing swim in place pool systems are cumbersome for users to adjust water circulation speed, as they require strenuous operation of pumps and lack efficient control mechanisms to adapt to individual swimming preferences.

Innovation Solution

A swim in place system incorporating sensors and a processor-controlled pump system that adjusts water flow based on user location within the pool, using artificial intelligence and neural networks to predict and maintain optimal swimming speed and style, allowing for automatic adjustment of water flow to keep the swimmer centered and at desired intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual pump operation is used to adjust water circulation speed, then water flow can be controlled, but the operation becomes cumbersome and strenuous for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjusting water circulation speedVSAvoidcomplexity of pump control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts water circulation speed by detecting swimmer position and intensity, eliminating the need for manual pump operation. The control system serves itself by monitoring swimmer characteristics and autonomously modifying flow rates to maintain optimal swimming conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical pump adjustment is replaced with an automated control system using sensors and processors. The mechanical operation of adjusting pumps is substituted with electronic detection of swimmer position and automated control algorithms that calculate and adjust water flow rates without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed water circulation speed is used, then system operation is simple, but it cannot adapt to individual swimming preferences and intensities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to swimming preferencesVSAvoidcomplexity of speed adjustment system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water circulation speed transitions from a fixed parameter to a dynamic one that continuously adapts based on real-time swimmer detection. The system monitors swimmer position, speed, and intensity, and automatically adjusts water flow rates to match individual preferences and swimming intensity levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously detect swimmer position and characteristics, the processor analyzes this data to determine swimming intensity and preferences, and the control system adjusts water circulation speed accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic adaptation to individual swimming needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple water speed settings are provided, then user preferences can be accommodated, but the control mechanism becomes more complex and burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of swimming speedsVSAvoidease of speed adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides multiple water speed settings automatically based on detected swimmer characteristics, eliminating the need for users to manually select from multiple speed options. The control system serves itself by detecting swimming intensity and autonomously selecting appropriate flow rates from available settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares multiple water circulation speed settings in advance and automatically selects the appropriate one based on real-time swimmer detection. Rather than requiring users to choose from pre-set options, the system has all speed configurations ready and automatically applies the most suitable one based on detected swimming intensity and preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 a comfortable and efficient way to adjust water speed, accommodating various swimming styles and intensities without user effort, enhancing the swimming experience by maintaining optimal flow and position within the pool.

Implementation Method 1

a pump operable to pump water from the primary conduit inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

configured to create a swimming flow in the basin with the primary conduit inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP4029576B1Swim in place pool/spa
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 HYDROPOOL
  • EP4029576B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4029576B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4029576B1 patent drawingFigure 4

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.