Wireless Valve Actuator Feedback for Pool and Spa Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pool and spa systems face challenges with hardwired valve actuators that are labor-intensive to install, prone to environmental damage, and limited in scalability and maintenance, due to their reliance on physical connections.

Innovation Solution

Implementing two-way wireless control of digitally controlled valve actuators using wireless communication between a pool automation system and valve actuators, allowing for precise position changes and real-time feedback, reducing the need for physical connections and enhancing maintenance capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hardwired connections are used for valve actuators, then reliable physical connections are established, but installation becomes labor-intensive and scalability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hardwired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. Valve actuators communicate with the control system via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical wiring between components. This substitution maintains communication reliability while dramatically simplifying installation and enabling easy system expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary medium between the control system and valve actuators. Instead of direct physical connections, wireless signals serve as the mediator to transmit control commands and status information, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and installation ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If hardwired connections are used for valve actuators, then stable physical connections are maintained, but susceptibility to environmental damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidenvironmental damage susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical hardwired connections with wireless communication technology. This eliminates exposed wiring that would be vulnerable to water, corrosion, and other environmental factors in pool and spa settings. The wireless system maintains stable communication without physical components susceptible to environmental damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If preset hardcoded valve positions are used, then simple control is achieved, but adaptability to different positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidvalve position adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the valve actuator control from static hardcoded positions to dynamic programmable positions. The valve actuator can be programmed via wireless communication to recognize and transition to any valve position, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining simple wireless control through a mobile device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables change in the valve position parameter from fixed preset values to programmable values. The valve actuator stores and executes programmed position parameters received wirelessly, allowing flexible adjustment of valve positions without changing the physical control interface or hardware configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If wireless control is implemented, then installation simplicity and scalability are improved, but real-time feedback capability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidfeedback information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a two-way wireless communication system where valve actuators not only receive control commands but also transmit status information and valve position feedback back to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures real-time information exchange while maintaining the installation simplicity and scalability benefits of wireless technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250243942A1Two-way wireless control of digitally controlled valve actuators in a pool or SPA system

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for two-way wireless control of digitally controlled valve actuators in a pool or spa system are disclosed. In an example method for actuating a valve included in a pool or spa system, a pool automation system outputs, using a first wireless interface of the pool automation system, a first wireless signal to a valve actuator operably connected to the valve, the first wireless signal received at a second wireless interface of the valve actuator and including a position change signal configured to cause the valve actuator to actuate the valve from a previous position to a new position. The pool automation system receives, from the valve actuator, by the first wireless interface of the pool automation system, a second wireless signal including valve position state information relating to the new position of the valve.