Adjustable Skimmer Interface for Angled Pool Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swimming pool skimmers fail to function optimally when installed on fiberglass pools with angled walls, as they require a specific angle match, leading to misalignment and improper operation due to the fixed attachment mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable skimmer interface module with a rotatable mounting bracket and flexible shroud, allowing angular adjustment and secure flush contact with angled pool walls, coupled with a ratcheting mechanism for locking the desired angle, ensuring proper water flow and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed attachment mechanism is used for the skimmer, then the installation is simple, but the skimmer cannot accommodate varying pool wall angles and operates improperly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with a rotatable joint that allows dynamic adjustment of the skimmer assembly to match various pool wall angles. The bracket can be rotated to different angular positions and locked in place, transforming a static fixed-attachment design into a dynamic adjustable one that adapts to different installation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket with rotatable joint, a locking mechanism, and the skimmer assembly. This segmentation allows the bracket to be independently adjusted and locked at the desired angle, providing adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire skimmer system.
2Reliability
If the skimmer is rigidly fastened to the pool wall, then the installation is secure, but misalignment occurs on angled walls causing improper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid fixed-attachment is replaced with a dynamic adjustable mounting bracket that can be rotated to match the pool wall angle. The bracket maintains secure attachment through its locking mechanism while achieving precise alignment by adjusting to the specific wall angle during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting angle parameter of the skimmer assembly is made variable through the rotatable bracket. Instead of having a fixed attachment angle, the bracket allows the skimmer to be mounted at different angles corresponding to various pool wall configurations, ensuring proper alignment and operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-angle skimmer is selected for installation, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the wrong skimmer may be selected for the actual pool wall angle
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mounting bracket makes the skimmer assembly universal, capable of being installed on pool walls with various angles. Instead of manufacturing different skimmer models for different wall angles, a single skimmer design with an adjustable bracket can accommodate multiple installation scenarios, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting bracket is made rotatable for angle adjustment, then adaptability to pool wall angles is improved, but the sealing and waterproofing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible waterproof grommet or sealing membrane is used at the pool wall penetration point. This flexible sealing element can accommodate the angular adjustment of the mounting bracket while maintaining watertight integrity, allowing the bracket to rotate to different angles without compromising the seal between the skimmer assembly and the pool wall.
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 debris removal from angled pool walls by maintaining a flush and watertight seal, accommodating varying wall angles without pre-known specifications, ensuring optimal skimmer operation and installation.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible shroud made of waterproof material, the shroud attached between the first and second mounting brackets to form a waterproof chamber
Implementation Method 2
an adjustment mechanism mechanically coupled to the first and second mounting brackets and configured to lock the first mounting bracket at a desired angle
Data Source
AI summary
An interface module of a skimmer for a swimming pool or spa includes an adjustable face assembly that rotatably adjusts within an angular range, inward and/or outward with respect to vertical, that includes the expected possible angles of the pool wall, to provide a substantially planar mounting surface that is parallel to the wall of the swimming pool or spa. A waterproof shroud interconnects mounting brackets of the assembly, expanding and contracting as the mounting brackets are rotated relative to each other. The assembly can be integrated with the skimmer during manufacture of the skimmer, or poolside during skimmer installation. The installer positions the assembly approximate a skimmer aperture in the pool wall, actuates the adjustment mechanism of the interface module to select and lock the desired angle, and secures the interface module flush against the angled pool wall, with the throat module and vessel of the skimmer remaining upright.