Debris Catching Device for Surge Tanks Using Drawstring Net
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surge tanks in swimming pool circulation systems accumulate significant debris quickly, leading to frequent cleaning needs and potential fouling or clogging of filters and pumps, as existing filtering devices are not specifically adapted for surge tanks.
Innovation Solution
A debris catching device with a net member and drawstring mechanism attached to the gutter drain pipe captures debris before it enters the surge tank, featuring an elongate main body for adjustable installation and a support cord for larger nets, ensuring effective debris containment and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a debris catching device is installed in the surge tank, then debris accumulation is reduced and filter/pump fouling is prevented, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The debris catching device is segmented into modular components including a removable net member, an elongate main body, and a drawstring mechanism. This segmentation allows the net to be easily removed and cleaned separately from the installation structure, reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining reliable debris capture functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawstring mechanism acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the attachment and detachment of the net member to the elongate main body. By using this intermediate mechanism, the complex interaction between the net and mounting structure is mediated through a simple drawstring closure, making the overall system easier to install and maintain.
2Reliability
If the surge tank is cleaned frequently to remove accumulated debris, then filter and pump fouling is prevented, but significant time and operational disruption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The debris catching device performs preliminary action by capturing debris at the point of entry into the surge tank, before it can accumulate to levels requiring extensive cleaning. The net member intercepts debris early in the flow path, preventing the need for frequent comprehensive surge tank cleanings and reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The net member is designed to be easily removed and extracted from the elongate main body for cleaning. This extraction capability allows rapid removal of accumulated debris from the net without requiring drainage or disassembly of the entire surge tank system, significantly reducing cleaning time and operational disruption.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-size net member is used, then installation is simplified, but adaptability to different surge tank configurations and pipe sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The net member is designed with dynamic adjustability through the drawstring mechanism, allowing its effective size and shape to be modified to fit different surge tank configurations and pipe diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a single net design to adapt to multiple installation scenarios without requiring custom-manufactured nets for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawstring mechanism enables parameter changes in the net member's diameter and configuration by tightening or loosening the drawstring. This allows the same net to be adjusted to different pipe sizes and surge tank geometries, providing versatility across various installations while maintaining simple manufacturing of a standard net design.
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 device significantly reduces debris accumulation in surge tanks, minimizing cleaning time and preventing filter and pump fouling, while being easy to install, clean, and manufacture with corrosion-resistant materials.
Implementation Method 1
A drawstring mechanism extending through the length of the elongate main body and within a top rim lining of the net member is provided for reducing the diameter of the top opening of the net
Implementation Method 2
as displaced water enters the gutter and is directed to the surge tank utilizing gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A debris catching device for surge tanks in swimming pool circulation systems prevents debris from building up within a surge tank. The debris catching device includes a net member for capturing the debris before it enters the surge tank and an elongate main body that is adjustably extendable to select lengths for proper installation. A drawstring cord extending through the length of the elongate main body and around the lining of the net member is provided for cinching the net member closed around the exterior of the gutter drain pipe so that the captured debris doesn't spill out of the net and into the surge tank. A support cord attached to the elongate main body and having opposite ends attached to the lining of the net member may be used for holding the net member in an upright position.