Pool Cleaner Steering for Non-Vertical Sidewall Cleaning Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cleaners are inefficient and time-consuming when traversing vertical pool walls due to continuous ascending and descending, and struggle to navigate obstacles effectively, leading to unchecked algae growth and incomplete cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A pool cleaner equipped with sensors to detect yaw and orientation, a steering module that can move along non-vertical cleaning paths, and a controller to optimize the cleaning path, reducing the number of turns and maintaining contact with the sidewall, using a combination of jetting modules and maneuverable handles for efficient navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pool cleaners traverse vertical pool walls by continuous ascending and descending, then they can clean the walls, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-vertical cleaning path segments with yaw angles that deviate from the vertical direction. This dimensional change in movement trajectory allows the cleaner to cover wall surface area more efficiently by combining vertical progression with horizontal scanning motion, reducing the need for repeated ascending-descending cycles while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pool cleaners climb vertical walls, then they can access wall surfaces for cleaning, but they struggle to navigate obstacles mounted on the walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic steering control that adjusts the cleaner's yaw angle and movement path in real-time based on obstacle detection. The cleaner can dynamically modify its trajectory to bypass obstacles mounted on vertical walls, transitioning between vertical climbing and angled scanning motions adaptively, thereby maintaining ease of operation while navigating complex wall environments.
3Manufacturing precision
If pool cleaners perform vertical travelling in imaginary vertical boxes or strips, then they can systematically clean the walls, but the continuous ascending and descending is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous non-vertical cleaning path segments that maintain cleaning action throughout the traversal. Instead of completing full vertical cycles (ascending to top, descending to bottom), the cleaner follows continuous angled paths that progressively cover the wall surface, eliminating idle descent time while maintaining systematic coverage through coordinated yaw and position control.
Data Source
AI summary
A pool cleaner for cleaning a pool, the pool cleaner may include a filtering element for filtering fluid; at least one sensor for sensing an actual yaw of the pool cleaner and an actual orientation of the pool cleaner; at least one steering element that is configured to move the pool cleaner along a cleaning path during a cleaning process of a certain region of a sidewall of the pool; wherein the cleaning path comprises a cleaning path segment that has a cleaning path segment yaw that is a non-vertical yaw; wherein the cleaning path comprises less than a predetermined number of turns; wherein the predetermined number of turns is associated with another cleaning path that mostly includes vertical yaw cleaning path segments; and a controller that is configured to control the at least one steering element, based on the actual yaw of the pool cleaner.