Swimming Pool Algaecide Cartridge With Sink-Float Release Cycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool maintenance methods face challenges in controlling algae proliferation during prolonged absences or winter months, as traditional methods like floating devices become ineffective due to ice formation, and there is a need for a slow release of algaecide without continuous supervision.
Innovation Solution
A container and cartridge system for slow release of algaecide in swimming pools, comprising a hollow housing with a top portion and open bottom, filled with a dissolving powderous compound and solid algaecide, which sinks to the pool bottom for dissolution and rises to the surface when empty, allowing continuous chemical release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If floating devices are used for algaecide release, then continuous chemical release is achieved, but the devices become stuck in ice during winter
Solution Approach 1:
The device inverts its buoyancy behavior: it floats during installation and chemical release, then sinks when empty. This is achieved by using a biodegradable or dissolvable container that loses structural integrity as chemicals are released, causing the device to sink automatically when empty, eliminating ice entanglement issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its density parameter over time. Initially, the container with chemicals has density less than water, allowing it to float. As chemicals are released and the container degrades, the density increases until it exceeds water density, causing the device to sink. This dynamic parameter change enables both continuous release and winter operation.
2Measurement precision
If manual chemical addition is used, then precise chemical dosing is achieved, but continuous supervision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service by automatically releasing chemicals at controlled rates without human intervention. The dissolvable container design ensures precise dosing through controlled degradation, and the device monitors its own chemical levels, sinking automatically when empty to signal replenishment needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides continuous chemical release action over extended periods. The controlled dissolution of the container ensures steady chemical dosing, eliminating the need for periodic manual intervention while maintaining precise dosing through the engineered release mechanism.
3Productivity
If the container sinks to the bottom for dissolution, then chemical release efficiency is improved, but retrieval of the empty container becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic buoyancy control, transitioning from floating to sinking based on chemical release progress. During the release phase, the device sinks to maximize contact with pool water for efficient chemical dissolution. When empty, it automatically floats back to the surface, enabling easy retrieval without manual bottom searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs periodic cycles of sinking (for chemical release) and floating (for retrieval). This periodic action optimizes chemical release efficiency during the submerged phase while automatically returning to the surface for easy recovery, creating a rhythmic operational pattern that balances both requirements.
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 continuous algae control in swimming pools over extended periods, including winter, without manual intervention, ensuring effective chemical distribution and easy retrieval of the container.
Implementation Method 1
a solid or semi-solid dissolving algaecide composition cast inside the housing
Implementation Method 2
the cartridge is adapted to sink to the bottom of the pool when comprising said solid or semi-solid dissolving algaecide composition and said dissolving powderous material, and wherein the cartridge floats at the surface of the pool when said solid or semi-solid dissolving algaecide composition and said dissolving powderous material is dissolved into the water
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a container, a cartridge, a kit and method for slow release of algaecide in swimming pools. The container includes—a hollow housing having a top portion with an internal cavity defining a sub-hollow space within the housing; an open bottom portion for filling the housing with the algaecide; and a lid for closing the open bottom portion of the housing. The cartridge includes a container having a top portion having an internal cavity defining a sub-hollow space within the housing, that sub-hollow space having a dissolving powderous compound. The cartridge further includes a dissolving algaecide composition cast inside the housing and covering the dissolving powderous compound. Described also is a method for the slow release of algaecide, and kits including the cartridge. Slow release of algaecide during an extended period with the cartridge is helpful in the maintenance of swimming pools, particularly during the wintering period.