Dual-Inlet Pool Skimmer for Surface and Bottom Filtration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pool filtration systems are ineffective at addressing water quality issues at the bottom of pools, particularly in frame and inflatable pools, which lack sophisticated cleaning systems found in permanent installations.

Innovation Solution

A filtration and circulation system with dual water inlets (upper and lower) and a directional valve that allows for flexible filtration modes, combined with a water curtain discharge device and mood lamp for enhanced visual appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional skimmer is used to collect floating debris, then the water surface is cleaned effectively, but the bottom surface of the pool remains uncleaned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidfiltration coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The skimmer is divided into functionally independent upper and lower sections with separate water inlets. The upper water inlet collects floating debris from the surface, while the lower water inlet collects settled debris from the bottom, allowing each segment to perform its specific cleaning function independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filtration system transitions from single-level (surface only) to multi-level (surface and bottom) operation by adding vertical dimension through the lower water inlet positioned at the bottom of the pool, enabling comprehensive three-dimensional water circulation and filtration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a permanent pool installation with sophisticated cleaning systems is used, then comprehensive filtration is achieved, but the cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration coverageVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The skimmer body integrates multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both a surface skimmer and a bottom suction inlet, combines debris collection with water circulation, and can operate in multiple modes (surface filtration only, bottom suction only, or combined mode) through the directional valve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the upper water inlet structure, lower water inlet structure, directional valve, and drainage pipe into an integrated skimmer assembly, merging what would traditionally be separate permanent pool cleaning systems into a single portable unit that can be easily installed and removed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single water inlet is used in the skimmer, then the system structure is simple, but only surface water can be filtered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration coverageVSAvoidskimmer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The directional valve enables dynamic switching between different filtration modes, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs - whether to filter surface water only, bottom water only, or both simultaneously, providing flexible multi-functional operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively cleans both the water surface and bottom of the pool, providing comprehensive filtration and circulation while enhancing the pool's aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

the water flow driving device circulates water discharged from the skimmer into the pool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid circulation:

Implementation Method 2

a directional valve is mounted on the drainage pipe at a location where the directional valve engages the drainage pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve flow control: Valve

Implementation Method 3

a water curtain discharge device is mounted on a frame of the pool, the water curtain discharge device including a water curtain outlet that forms a water curtain that falls into the pool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater curtain formation:

Data Source

PatentEP4575144A1Filtering and circulation system for pool

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A filtering and circulation system includes a skimmer (1) having an upper water inlet (38) and a lower water inlet (39) positioned opposite the upper water inlet. A water flow driving device (2) is fluidly coupled to the skimmer via a drainage pipe (5). The upper water inlet is positioned adjacent a top surface of the pool, the lower water inlet is positioned adjacent a bottom surface of the pool, and the water flow driving device circulates water discharged from the skimmer into the pool.