Self-Contained Exercise Pool With Glycol Hydraulic Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-contained swimming pools require large spaces and high power to maintain water circulation, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort due to turbulence, and previous solutions like vegetable oil hydraulic fluids pose maintenance challenges with leakage.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained exercise pool with a modular design using a glycol-based hydraulic system and a propulsion system driven by an externally mounted electric pump, which maintains water quality and minimizes power consumption while being non-toxic and easy to maintain, with a filtration system capable of handling glycol leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large swimming area is used to accommodate water circulation, then water flow capacity is improved, but the tank size and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The swimming tank is divided into two distinct functional zones: a compact swimming area and a separate recirculation duct system. This segmentation allows the water circulation path to be optimized independently from the swimming space, enabling high water flow capacity through the recirculation duct while keeping the swimming area compact and space-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation duct is positioned beneath the floor of the swimming area, utilizing the vertical dimension and under-floor space. This dimensional transition allows the water circulation system to occupy space that would otherwise be unused, achieving high water flow capacity without increasing the horizontal footprint of the tank.
2Productivity
If a large motor is used to circulate water, then water circulation capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic propeller system within the recirculation duct to move water. This hydraulic approach, utilizing the kinetic energy of flowing water turned into rotational motion by turning vanes, is more energy-efficient than direct mechanical pumping, reducing power consumption while maintaining effective water circulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the kinetic energy of the water flow itself to drive the recirculation process. Turning vanes capture the kinetic energy from the moving water and convert it to rotational motion of the propeller, which then drives the circulation. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for external power input compared to motor-driven pumps.
3Device complexity
If water is circulated beneath the floor without turning vanes, then device complexity is reduced, but turbulence increases and swimming comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The turning vanes are extracted from the swimming area and placed exclusively within the recirculation duct beneath the floor. This extraction allows the turning vanes to perform their flow-directing function without interfering with the swimmer's experience in the main swimming area, maintaining swimming comfort while managing water flow efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning vanes are positioned in the vertical dimension within the under-floor recirculation duct, separate from the horizontal swimming plane. This spatial separation allows the turning vanes to control water flow and reduce turbulence in the recirculation path without affecting the water conditions in the swimming area, thus maintaining comfort without adding complexity to the swimmer's environment.
4Reliability
If vegetable oil is used as hydraulic fluid, then lubrication performance is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases due to leakage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the hydraulic fluid from vegetable oil to glycol-based fluid. This parameter change maintains the necessary lubrication performance for the hydraulic propeller system while fundamentally improving maintenance characteristics. The glycol-based fluid is less prone to degradation, leakage issues, and contamination problems associated with vegetable oil, making the system easier to maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of glycol-based hydraulic fluid represents a composite material solution that combines the lubrication properties needed for hydraulic operation with the chemical stability and ease of maintenance required for practical application. This composite approach integrates multiple desirable properties into a single hydraulic fluid 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
The solution provides a compact, efficient, and comfortable swimming experience with reduced maintenance needs, as the glycol-based system maintains consistent viscosity and is easily filtered, minimizing disruptions from minor leaks without requiring pool disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
the glycol-based system maintains consistent viscosity
Implementation Method 2
the filtration system capable of handling glycol leaks
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained swimming pool for containment of water and generation of water currents therein for exercise, therapy and/or rehabilitation of a user comprising a rigid frame exteriorly located in relation to an inner water containment area. A set of water return channels in communication with the inner water containment area. A propulsion system in communication with the set of water return channels and the inner water containment area. A hydraulic system for driving the propulsion system using a hydraulic fluid to produce a current in the inner water containment area allowing positioning of a user in the current for exercise, therapy and or rehabilitation therein and wherein the hydraulic system is self-contained and mounted external of the rigid frame.