Floating Pool Skimmer Attachment for Surface Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool skimmers, especially those in inside-ground pools, are difficult to remove and modify, and require human intervention or complex electronic systems for operation, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A pool skimmer that attaches to an existing automatic pool cleaner, using no external power or moving components, leveraging the cleaner's propulsion system to suck in and clean pool surface water, redirecting it back into the pool through a circular cap, basket, and floating container system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing pool skimmers are installed in inside-ground pools, then debris can be caught and removed, but the skimmers are difficult to remove and modify
Solution Approach 1:
The pool skimmer system is divided into separate modular components: a skimmer body, a floating container, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the skimmer to be easily assembled, disassembled, and modified without affecting the pool structure, while maintaining debris removal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An attachment mechanism serves as an intermediary between the pool cleaner and the skimmer body, enabling easy connection and disconnection. This intermediary component facilitates rapid deployment and removal of the skimmer system without requiring modifications to the pool structure.
2Reliability
If manual management of mobile skimmers is used, then debris can be collected, but human intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The skimmer is merged with an automatic pool cleaner, combining debris collection functions into a single automated system. The pool cleaner's propulsion system moves both the cleaner and the attached skimmer, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining effective debris collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The skimmer system utilizes the pool cleaner's existing propulsion and navigation capabilities to move itself around the pool surface. The system is self-propelled and self-navigating, requiring no human intervention for operation, while continuously collecting debris.
3Ease of operation
If remote controls and solar systems are used for mobile skimmers, then automation is achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The pool cleaner's propulsion system is used for dual purposes: cleaning the pool floor and propelling the attached skimmer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electronic propulsion systems in the skimmer, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The skimmer system leverages the existing automated navigation and propulsion capabilities of the pool cleaner to move itself. By using the cleaner's built-in systems for self-propulsion, the skimmer avoids requiring additional electronic components, sensors, or control systems, thereby simplifying the overall design and reducing costs.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a floating container system is used for surface cleaning, then no external power is needed, but the system requires attachment to an existing automatic pool cleaner
Solution Approach 1:
The floating skimmer system is merged with the automatic pool cleaner, combining surface debris collection with the cleaner's existing floor cleaning function. This integration allows the skimmer to operate without external power by utilizing the cleaner's propulsion system, while the cleaner continues its primary cleaning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The skimmer system is designed to be self-propelled by utilizing the pool cleaner's propulsion mechanism. The floating container and skimmer body are moved passively by the cleaner's movement through the water, requiring no additional energy source while maintaining operational independence from external power supplies.
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
Provides an affordable, efficient, and time-saving solution for pool surface cleaning, ensuring constant access to debris-free water without the need for additional energy sources or complex electronics, suitable for pools without wall skimmers or as a complement to inside-ground pools.
Implementation Method 1
a floating container (3)
Implementation Method 2
surface pool water is sucked into the present invention
Data Source
AI summary
A moving and floating pool cleaner apparatus includes a circular cap, a basket, a floating container, an attachment tube, and a T-shaped adapter. The moving and floating pool cleaner apparatus attaches with an existing automatic pool cleaner, and cleans the surface of the pool water by removing all of the floating debris. The circular cap is attached to the floating container, and the floating container is attached with the automatic pool cleaner through the attachment tube and the T-shaped adapter. The basket is positioned within the floating container. The pool water with floating debris goes into the floating container and then to the basket, where the basket retains bigger particles while the pool water redirects into the attachment tube. Then the pool water is forwarded into a pool cleaning unit so that the pool water can be thoroughly cleaned before pumps back into the pool.