Submerged Cleaner Protuberance Accelerating Inlet Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for cleaning immersed surfaces in pools face inefficiencies in debris removal and intake due to the need for large liquid inlets, which increase production and operational costs without substantial improvements in cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of acceleration protuberances at the liquid inlets, which create a turbulent phase and accelerate the liquid flow, allowing for improved debris removal and intake efficiency without modifying the pumping or drive devices, by reducing the effective flow cross-section and increasing the intake speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cross-section of flow of liquid inlet is increased to allow larger debris to pass, then debris removal capability is improved, but the level of intake energy necessary increases production and operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a protuberance at a specific location (the liquid inlet) to generate localized turbulence. This turbulence is concentrated where needed - at the inlet - to enhance debris intake without requiring the entire system to consume more energy. The protuberance creates eddies and turbulent flow patterns locally that improve debris suspension and entry into the inlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow parameters by introducing a protuberance that modifies the velocity distribution and turbulence intensity at the liquid inlet. This geometric modification creates regions of high velocity and turbulence that enhance the intake of debris without requiring an increase in the overall pump power or inlet cross-section.
2Reliability
If the cross-section of flow of liquid inlet is increased to allow larger debris to pass, then debris removal capability is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the overall inlet cross-section, the invention applies a localized geometric feature (protuberance) at the inlet. This approach maintains the original inlet dimensions and manufacturing simplicity while achieving improved debris removal through localized flow modification. The protuberance can be easily integrated into existing inlet designs without requiring costly redesign or reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial action by introducing a relatively simple geometric feature (the protuberance) that provides disproportionate benefit. This small modification creates significant turbulence and velocity enhancement locally, achieving substantial improvement in debris removal capability without the need for extensive system changes or increased production complexity.
3Productivity
If protuberance is introduced to accelerate liquid flow and create turbulence, then intake efficiency is improved, but the cross-section of flow of liquid inlet is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protuberance creates localized turbulence and acceleration zones at the inlet without blocking the overall flow path. The turbulent eddies generated are concentrated in specific regions where they enhance debris suspension and entry, while the bulk flow cross-section remains largely preserved. This localized approach allows the system to maintain high intake efficiency without significantly reducing the effective flow area.
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 debris removal and intake efficiency, reducing the risk of blockages and operational costs while maintaining effective debris collection, even for larger debris, through localized acceleration and turbulence creation at the liquid inlets.
Implementation Method 1
with formation of at least one discontinuity of curvature capable of producing, under the effect of the advance of the device, a turbulent phase in a zone immediately downstream of that acceleration protuberance
Implementation Method 2
The introduction of acceleration protuberances at the liquid inlets, which create a turbulent phase and accelerate the liquid flow, allowing for improved debris removal and intake efficiency without modifying the pumping or drive devices, by reducing the effective flow cross-section and increasing the intake speed
Data Source
AI summary
Detailed is a cleaner apparatus for a submerged surface including a body and at least one liquid inlet at the base of the body, characterized in that it includes at least one accelerating protuberance extending toward the submerged surface while maintaining a height of liquid, and extending, with respect of a forward travel direction of the apparatus, in front of an adjacent liquid inlet while maintaining the passage cross section of the liquid inlet.