Dual Propeller Pool Cleaner Reducing Turbulent Flow Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool cleaners experience energy losses due to turbulent flow when changing the direction of water jets, which affects their efficiency and propulsion performance.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled pool cleaner design with a horizontally mounted pump motor and propellers at both ends, featuring pressure-sensitive flap valves and a streamlined cap to minimize turbulence, allowing for efficient alternating directional discharge of water jets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single propeller with directional flap valve is used to propel the pool cleaner, then the apparatus can change direction of movement, but energy losses occur due to turbulent flow when water direction is changed abruptly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single propeller system into two opposing propellers, each independently capable of generating thrust. This segmentation allows the system to change direction by selectively activating one propeller over the other, avoiding the need for abrupt directional changes in a single jet stream and thereby reducing turbulent flow energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the direction of a single water jet through a flap valve, the invention inverts the approach by using two opposing propellers that can be independently controlled. The direction of movement is changed by deactivating one propeller and activating the other, eliminating the need for directional flap valves and reducing energy losses associated with abrupt flow direction changes
2Ease of operation
If a directional flap valve is used to divert water flow, then the water jet can be discharged in alternating directions, but turbulent flow is created causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the water discharge system into two separate discharge paths, one for each propeller. Each propeller has its own dedicated discharge opening, eliminating the need for a directional flap valve to divert flow between paths. This segmentation allows smooth transitions between directions by simply switching which propeller is active, reducing turbulent flow and energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the directional flap valve component from the system entirely. By using two independent opposing propellers with separate discharge openings, the system eliminates the need for flow diversion mechanisms, thereby removing the source of turbulent flow energy losses associated with flap valve operation
3Ease of manufacture
If the pump motor is positioned vertically with a single propeller, then the water can be drawn through the base plate and filter, but the size and power requirements must account for energy losses in changing water direction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional vertical single-propeller configuration by using a horizontal dual-propeller arrangement. The pump motor is positioned horizontally with propellers at both ends, allowing water to be drawn through the base plate and filter and discharged horizontally in alternating directions. This inversion eliminates the need for vertical direction changes and associated energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimensional orientation of the propeller system from vertical to horizontal. By positioning the pump motor horizontally and discharging water jets horizontally through opposing propellers, the system avoids the energy losses associated with vertical-to-horizontal direction changes that would occur in a vertically-mounted single propeller system
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 configuration reduces power consumption and operational costs while maintaining effective propulsion and traction on pool surfaces, enabling efficient cleaning of both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The water drawn through the base plate and filter(s) is discharged through one of the discharge ports as a water jet of sufficient force to propel the pool cleaner along the surface being cleaned
Implementation Method 2
providing opposing water jet discharge openings in the housing, each with a pressure-sensitive flap valve
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic pool or tank cleaner is propelled by water jets, the direction of which is controlled by the direction of rotation of a reversible pump motor that is horizontally mounted in the pool cleaner housing that has a propeller attached to either end of the motor drive shaft which projects from opposing ends of the motor body, each of the propellers being positioned in, or near a water jet discharge conduit that terminates in discharge ports at opposite ends of the housing. Each discharge conduit has a pressure-sensitive flap valve downstream of the respective propellers. When the propellers rotate in one direction, the water is drawn through one or more openings in the base plate, passes through one or more filter assemblies associated with the pool cleaner and is discharged through one of the discharge ports as a water jet of sufficient force to propel the pool cleaner.