Wireless Pool Equipment Control With Remote Fault Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pool and spa equipment control systems are costly to install and maintain, and lack connectivity and diagnostics, leading to inefficient monitoring and control, often requiring professional visits and causing malfunctions due to improper installation and malfunctions such as low water flow rates and frost issues in heating systems.
Innovation Solution
A network connectivity and remote monitoring system with Internet-of-Things functionality is provided, using sensors and control logic to detect and diagnose issues like improper installation and malfunctions, allowing for remote control and optimization of pool and spa equipment without the need for extensive electrical work, through modules like smart switches, modular relays, and control modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired communication and electrical conduits are used for pool equipment control, then reliability of control is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hard-wired electrical communication with wireless communication technology. The pool equipment controller communicates with the remote device wirelessly, eliminating the need for complex electrical conduits and hard-wired connections while maintaining control reliability. This substitution of mechanical/electrical connection methods with wireless communication resolves the contradiction between reliable control and installation complexity.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and monitoring devices are installed at the pool equipment pad, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the monitoring and control functions into a single integrated controller that communicates wirelessly. Rather than installing separate sensors and monitoring devices at the equipment pad, the system merges these functions into the existing pool equipment controller, which then transmits data wirelessly to a remote device. This merging approach maintains measurement precision while reducing system complexity and installation requirements.
3Ease of operation
If remote control functionality is added to existing pool equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the pool equipment controller and the user's remote device. This intermediary layer enables remote control functionality without requiring complex modifications to the existing pool equipment. The wireless interface handles communication protocols and data transmission, simplifying the integration of remote control while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.