Retractable Buoy Tether for Pool Cleaner Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual removal of robotic pool cleaners from swimming pools is time-consuming and physically demanding, especially when powered by external cables or batteries with low power, as users must rely on the cleaner's ability to reach the pool edge or enter the pool to retrieve it.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled robotic pool cleaner equipped with a buoy assembly tethered via a retractable cable and spool mechanism, which allows the cleaner to be lifted off the pool floor using a pressurized water jet or nozzles, enabling controlled retrieval by the user without releasing debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the cleaner is powered by an external power supply via a power cable, then electric power can be provided to the cleaner, but the power cable must be pulled or reeled in by a user which is time-consuming and physically demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by using a buoyant buoy as a counterbalancing element. The buoy provides upward buoyant force that counteracts the downward weight of the cleaner, making retrieval easier. When the cleaner needs to be retrieved, the user simply pulls the cable and the buoy's buoyancy automatically assists in lifting the cleaner out of the pool, eliminating the need for the user to manually lift the entire weight of the cleaner.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaner is powered by an internal battery, then the cleaner can operate independently, but the user must physically enter the pool to retrieve the cleaner when battery power is low
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyant buoy serves as a counterweight that remains on the water surface. The cable connects the buoy to the cleaner, so when the cleaner needs retrieval, the user pulls the cable from the deck and the buoy's buoyancy automatically lifts the cleaner to the surface. This eliminates the need for users to enter the pool, as the buoyant assistance brings the cleaner within easy reach from the deck.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoy acts as an intermediary element between the user and the cleaner. Instead of the user directly interacting with the submerged cleaner (which would require entering the pool), the user interacts with the cable that connects to the buoy, which in turn lifts the cleaner. The buoy mediates the retrieval process by providing buoyant force and serving as a connection point that is accessible from the deck.
3Productivity
If the cleaner is manually lifted out of the pool, then the cleaner can be removed for maintenance or storage, but the process is time-consuming and physically demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyant buoy provides upward buoyant force that counteracts the weight of the cleaner. When retrieving the cleaner, the user pulls the cable and the buoy's buoyancy automatically assists in lifting the cleaner out of the water. This mechanical assistance significantly reduces the physical effort required and speeds up the retrieval process compared to manually lifting the entire cleaner.
4Ease of operation
If the cleaner climbs the sidewall of the pool for removal, then the cleaner can be retrieved without entering the pool, but the cleaner may release debris during the climbing process
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy acts as an intermediary that enables retrieval from the deck without the cleaner needing to climb the sidewall. The cable connects the buoy to the cleaner, and when the user pulls the cable, the buoy's buoyancy lifts the cleaner vertically to the surface. This indirect retrieval method avoids the sidewall climbing process that could disturb and release trapped debris.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient removal of the pool cleaner from the pool surface to the waterline, reducing user effort and preventing debris release, allowing for manual handling or pole-assisted retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
the buoy assembly floats on the top surface of the water while tethered to the cleaner
Implementation Method 2
a retractable cable and spool mechanism, which allows the cleaner to be lifted off the pool floor
Implementation Method 3
which allows the cleaner to be lifted off the pool floor using a pressurized water jet or nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for raising a self-propelled pool cleaner from a surface of a pool. The cleaner includes an interior chamber, a lower portion with an inlet and an upper portion with an outlet. Rotatably-mounted supports guide the cleaner along the pool surface. An interior water pump draws water/debris through the inlet, the debris is filtered in the interior chamber, and filtered water exits through the outlet to propel the cleaner during a cleaning operation. A buoy assembly is tethered to the cleaner via a retractable cable. When the cleaner is submerged, the cable is released and the buoy assembly floats on the water surface while tethered to the submerged cleaner. The cleaner can receive a command signal from a controller to exit from the pool, and the cable is retracted to cause the cleaner to rise from the submerged surface of the pool.