Aquarium Scraper With Siphon Debris Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquarium scrapers fail to effectively prevent free-floating debris from circulating back into the water after cleaning, requiring extensive water changes and treatment, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A retractable scraper cartridge with a removable blade and siphon functionality that allows for debris removal and collection, preventing debris from re-entering the water by using a cartridge that can translate between extended and retracted configurations and integrating a siphon mechanism for fluid connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If debris is removed from sidewalls using conventional scrapers, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but free-floating debris circulates into the water column requiring extensive water changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scraping function with a containment chamber and filtration system into a single integrated device. The chamber captures debris at the point of removal, and the filtration system separates debris from water, allowing cleaned water to return to the aquarium while trapping debris internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment chamber acts as an intermediary between the scraping blade and the aquarium water. It intercepts debris before it can enter the water column, providing a transition zone where debris is captured and separated from the main water body.
2Ease of operation
If the blade is always exposed for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is worsened due to risk of injury from exposed sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed to be dynamically retractable into the containment chamber. During storage or non-use, the blade retracts to expose only the necessary working portion, minimizing injury risk. During operation, the blade can be extended or positioned as needed for effective scraping.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is nested within the containment chamber structure. The chamber housing contains the blade when not in use, providing inherent protection. The blade can be extended from the chamber during operation, combining safety during storage with accessibility during use.
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
The solution provides a safer and more efficient method for removing algae and debris from aquarium surfaces while preventing them from becoming free-floating, reducing the need for large water changes and ensuring water parameters are maintained.
Implementation Method 1
The scraper is arranged to fluidly connect with a siphon sealably connected therein
Data Source
AI summary
An aquarium scraper, comprising a scraper head having a top opening and a bottom opening defining a distal end of the scraper head, an outlet opening defining a proximal end of the scraper head, an internal cavity disposed between the ends adapted to receive fluid therethrough, the internal cavity having a first cavity and a second cavity therein, the first cavity in communication with the top opening, the second cavity in communication with the bottom opening and the outlet opening, a handle having a first opening defining a proximal end and a second opening defining a distal end, the handle having an internal cavity disposed between the ends of the handle, the proximal end of the handle arranged to removably engage the proximal end of the scraper head, and a cartridge retractably arranged within the first cavity, the cartridge having a blade removably attached therein and extending therefrom.