Pool Pump Exhaust Plug and Buoy for Trapped Air Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool pumps face issues with air entrapment, which disrupts liquid flow and can damage components, and require manual operation for air release, leading to potential component failure and reduced longevity.
Innovation Solution
A pool pump system with a buoy mechanism that automatically releases air, using seals and valves to isolate air and liquid phases, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing component wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual relief valve with a screw is used to release air, then air can be vented from the pump, but the screw may be stuck, cross-threaded, or degrade over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a buoy that automatically rises when air accumulates in the pump, triggering the relief valve to open without manual intervention. The buoy's automatic activation eliminates the need for users to operate a screw mechanism, while the repeated automatic operation prevents screw degradation and sticking issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual screw-based mechanical operation with a buoyancy-based automatic triggering mechanism. The buoy's rise and fall through gravitational and buoyant forces automatically actuates the relief valve, substituting the need for manual screw turning with an automated physical system.
2Extent of automation
If a manual relief valve is used, then air can be released, but the system requires user intervention and increases maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy automatically detects air accumulation and triggers the relief valve operation without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism achieves high automation while keeping the device complexity low by using a simple buoyancy-based trigger rather than complex sensors or control systems.
3Reliability
If the pump operates with trapped air, then the pump structure remains intact, but liquid flow is disrupted and components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy provides continuous feedback about air accumulation in the pump. When air reaches a certain level, the buoy rises and triggers the relief valve to vent the air, restoring optimal liquid flow. This feedback mechanism protects components from air-related damage while maintaining productivity by automatically correcting flow disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of trapped air into a beneficial triggering mechanism. The air accumulation that would normally cause damage instead causes the buoy to rise, which automatically opens the relief valve to vent the air. The harmful air presence becomes the signal that activates the protective air release function.
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 system effectively and automatically manages air release, enhancing pump longevity and reducing maintenance needs by automating the process without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a buoy within the chamber configured to fall when the liquid portion within the chamber is below a first level
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter relate to systems and methods for a pool pump. The pool pump may comprise an impeller, an inlet for receiving a liquid, an outlet for supplying the liquid, a chamber above the impeller configured to receive air from the liquid. The pool pump may further comprise a buoy or an exhaust plug configured to release exhaust gas from within the pool pump. A seal configured to seal against a sealing surface of a top cover to seal the chamber.