Underwater Optical Communication for Automatic Pool Cleaners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in communicating effectively with underwater equipment, such as automatic swimming pool cleaners, due to difficulties in transmitting wireless radio frequency signals through water.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held device with a communication region configured to operate while immersed in water, capable of emitting light-based signals to communicate with submerged equipment, and receiving return signals for control responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless radio frequency signals are used to communicate with underwater equipment, then communication range and flexibility are improved, but signal transmission through water deteriorates due to high attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate relay device positioned outside the pool that receives wireless RF signals from the remote control and transmits them through water using a water-compatible communication interface (such as optical or acoustic transducers). This intermediary converts between air-based wireless signals and water-compatible signals, enabling indirect communication that overcomes RF attenuation while maintaining wireless operation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct wireless RF electromagnetic field transmission through water with an alternative physical mechanism (optical or acoustic transmission) that is compatible with water propagation characteristics. This substitution allows the control signal to traverse the water medium effectively by using a different form of energy transmission that does not suffer from RF signal attenuation in water.
2Reliability
If an intermediate relay control box is used to transmit signals through cable, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the intermediate relay device to perform multiple functions: receiving wireless RF commands, converting them to water-compatible signals, transmitting through water to the APC, and receiving return signals from the APC. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate relay serves as a mediator that bridges the air-water interface for signal transmission. By positioning it outside the pool and using it to convert between different signal types, the system achieves reliable communication without requiring complex waterproofing or multiple communication interfaces on the APC itself, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If a control cable is connected to the automatic pool cleaner, then control reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to cable pulling and positioning constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system that uses water-compatible signal transmission (optical or acoustic). This eliminates the physical cable that causes pulling issues and positioning constraints, allowing the APC to move freely throughout the pool without being tethered, while maintaining control signal transmission through the use of an intermediate relay and water-compatible transducers.
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 wireless communication with underwater equipment, allowing for remote control and operation of automatic swimming pool cleaners without the need for wired connections, improving convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
causing the communication device to emit a signal through the water to the equipment. In certain embodiments, the emitted signal is light based
Implementation Method 2
causing the communication device to receive a return signal from the equipment through the water
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods may be used for wirelessly communicating underwater (or through air) with equipment such as, but not necessarily limited to, automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs). Such communication avoids any need for conventional wired communication with the APCs. At least some of the devices may be hand-held and capable of having at least portions immersed in water in normal use. The devices preferably do not use radio frequency (RF) signal to communication with APCs, instead employing light-based or other signal types.