Swimming Pool Purification With Remote Valve And Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool management systems lack integrated control over essential components like water inlet valves, skimmers, pool cleaners, sump management, pressure control of pool filters, and efficient use of chemical products, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A remote switchboard system controlling solenoid valves and sensors for water flow, combined with a motorized selector valve and communication equipment, allows automated management of swimming pools, minimizing chemical and water usage, and optimizing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual control of valves and keys is used for swimming pool maintenance, then the system is simple and easy to understand, but it requires constant human presence and leads to time waste and operational errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the swimming pool maintenance system automatically controls valves, monitors parameters, and executes cleaning operations without human intervention. The microprocessor-based controller autonomously manages water flow distribution, filter operation, and chemical dosing based on sensor inputs and pre-programmed sequences, eliminating the need for manual valve operation while maintaining system simplicity through standardized control logic
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control of valves and keys is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. Solenoid valves and motorized actuators substitute for manual valve handles, while a microprocessor-based electronic control system replaces the mechanical key box. This substitution enables remote and automated control while reducing operational complexity through digital programming rather than physical manipulation of multiple components
2Ease of operation
If multiple valves and keys are manually operated for different water flow channels, then each function can be controlled individually, but it requires frequent human presence and precise timing control
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual valve controls and timing operations are merged into a single integrated control system. The microprocessor-based controller consolidates management of all solenoid valves, pumps, and monitoring functions into one centralized unit that can execute complex sequences automatically. This merging eliminates the need for operators to physically visit the pool area multiple times to adjust different valves, as all operations are coordinated through the single automated control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary programming of maintenance sequences and operational parameters before execution. Operating schedules, valve timing sequences, and pump operation patterns are pre-configured in the controller's memory based on pool size, filtration requirements, and cleaning needs. When activated, the system automatically executes these pre-planned sequences without requiring real-time human decision-making or timing adjustments, significantly reducing on-site operational time
3Reliability
If chemical elements are used for cleaning swimming pools, then health standards are maintained, but excessive chemical use can occur without proper monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor water quality parameters such as pH levels, chlorine concentration, and other chemical indicators. This real-time feedback is transmitted to the control system, which automatically adjusts chemical dosing rates to maintain optimal levels. The feedback loop prevents both over-chlorination and under-chlorination by dynamically responding to actual water conditions, ensuring health standards are met while minimizing chemical waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on monitored conditions. Chemical dosing rates, pump speeds, and valve positions are adjusted as parameters change in response to water quality measurements. For example, when pH drifts outside the optimal range, the system automatically modifies chemical addition rates to correct the deviation. This parameter-based control ensures consistent health standards while optimizing chemical usage according to actual pool conditions rather than applying fixed dosing schedules
4Productivity
If water flow is directed through multiple channels (skimmers, sump, pool cleaner), then comprehensive cleaning is achieved, but complex valve management is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of water flow distribution through solenoid valves that can be rapidly switched between different channels based on operational requirements. The control system dynamically adjusts valve positions to direct water flow to skimmers for surface debris, sump for bottom debris, or pool cleaner for comprehensive cleaning, depending on the selected mode. This dynamic valve management enables flexible switching between cleaning modes without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, maintaining high cleaning efficiency while simplifying operator interaction through automated sequence 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
Enables efficient, automated, and integrated management of swimming pools, reducing chemical and water consumption, and lowering energy costs while ensuring health standards are maintained.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor being associated with each circuit that detects the water flow through each circuit
Implementation Method 2
the three circuits are connected to the corresponding water propulsion pump through three solenoid valves controlled by means of a switchboard
Implementation Method 3
a circuit for intaking water from the bottom of the pool, as well as a suction circuit to which a pool cleaner can be connected
Implementation Method 4
the pressure control of the pool filter, essential to control the filtration capacity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention consists of an equipment that allows the totally automatic, integrated management of the water in a swimming pool, with the minimal and correct possible use of chemical elements for cleaning the same, in order to minimise the water used in cleaning operations, and maintaining the required health standards. To this end, the equipment consists of a switchboard that controls the three water absorption circuits and the pumping circuit of the same, by means of sensing the flows for each circuit, control of solenoid valves associated to each circuit, as well as by means of the inclusion of a motorised selector valve that allows the six usual operating modes of a swimming pool purifier to be adjusted remotely, an operation that is not possible if not all the variables of the system are controlled. The switchboard communicates with a server that can be accessed remotely through any electronic device to view the status of the swimming pool and modify the operating parameters.