Alternating-Suction Pool Robot Partition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing swimming pool cleaning robots with multiple suction orifices suffer from reduced efficacy due to uneven suction power distribution, with one orifice being less effective during movement, and increasing power or energy consumption to maintain efficacy is not feasible.

Innovation Solution

A swimming pool robot with a pivoting suction orifice and a separation partition that alternates suction between two compartments based on the direction of movement, concentrating suction power in one compartment at a time, thereby optimizing debris collection without increasing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple suction orifices are used, then debris collection coverage is improved, but suction power per orifice is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris collection coverageVSAvoidsuction power per orifice

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating the activation of front and rear suction orifices based on the robot's movement direction. When moving forward, the front orifice is activated; when moving backward, the rear orifice is activated. This periodic switching ensures that each orifice receives full suction power during its active phase while maintaining comprehensive debris collection coverage across the entire pool surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If suction power is increased to maintain efficacy with multiple orifices, then debris collection efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris collection efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action by switching between front and rear suction orifices according to movement direction. This ensures full suction power is concentrated on the active orifice during each phase, maintaining high debris collection efficiency without requiring increased overall power. The alternating pattern prevents energy waste on simultaneously operating multiple orifices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If a single off-centre orifice is used, then debris capture at peripheral walls is improved, but suction efficacy during bidirectional movement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris capture at peripheral wallsVSAvoidsuction efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning suction orifices at different locations (front and rear) rather than using a single off-centre orifice. This asymmetric arrangement allows the system to optimize debris capture at peripheral walls when moving in either direction, as the active orifice is always positioned to face the direction of movement, ensuring consistent suction efficacy bidirectionally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics by switching between different suction orifices based on the robot's movement direction. The front orifice is activated when moving forward to capture debris at the front peripheral walls, while the rear orifice is activated when moving backward. This dynamic switching maintains optimal suction efficacy regardless of movement direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Area of stationary object

If two suction orifices operate simultaneously, then debris collection coverage is improved, but suction rate per orifice is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris collection coverageVSAvoidsuction rate per orifice

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing periodic action through alternating operation of the front and rear suction orifices. Based on the robot's movement direction, one orifice is activated while the other remains inactive. This ensures that the full suction rate is concentrated on the active orifice, maintaining high productivity, while the alternating pattern between forward and backward movement ensures comprehensive debris collection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution enhances suction efficacy by focusing suction power on a single orifice during each direction of movement, improving debris collection efficiency while maintaining energy efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a suction pump (42)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

two filtering compartments (14a, 14b) separated by a partition (15)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical separation: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10851558B2Autonomous alternating-suction robot for cleaning swimming pools

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 KOKIDO DEV

AI summary

Robot for cleaning swimming pools, including a debris-collection body, a propulsion and suction system able to move the robot in alternation in two substantially opposite directions D1 and D2, and an electrical supply device, the body includes two compartments separated by a partition and each provided with a water inlet. Depending on the direction of movement of the robot, the suction is effected in one compartment and blocked in the other. The suction can be alternated by means of a pivoting suction orifice rotated by a turret.