Head-End Plenum Layout for Compact Swim Spa Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swim spas are too large for compact spaces, and existing portable water jet devices occupy limited space within the spa, making them difficult to install and use effectively for in-place swimming.
Innovation Solution
A swim spa design with a single plenum arrangement at the head end that creates circuitous water flow paths within the swimming compartment, using a water propulsion device and multiple inlets to maintain water flow without extending the pool's size externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional plenum arrangement is positioned outside the swimming compartment, then water flow is generated, but the overall size of the pool increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum arrangement is merged with the swimming compartment structure, positioning it inside rather than outside the pool. The plenum is integrated into the head end wall structure, combining the water flow generation function with the structural enclosure, thereby eliminating the need for separate external plenum components that would increase overall pool size.
Solution Approach 2:
The plenum arrangement is nested within the swimming compartment boundaries, specifically positioned in the head end region. This nesting allows the plenum to be contained within the existing pool volume rather than extending externally, maintaining compact overall dimensions while preserving water flow generation capability.
2Ease of operation
If a portable water jet device is installed over the edge of the pool, then in-place swimming is enabled, but the device occupies valuable space within the swimming compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The water jet propulsion function is extracted from the swimming compartment interior and relocated to the plenum arrangement at the head end. The jet outlet is positioned on the external surface of the plenum, allowing the propulsion mechanism to be removed from the limited internal swimming space while maintaining in-place swimming functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The plenum arrangement serves as an intermediary structure that houses the water jet device externally. This intermediary positioning allows the propulsion system to operate without directly occupying the swimming compartment, mediating between the need for propulsion and the need to preserve swimming space.
3Power
If the plenum arrangement extends along the outside of the swimming compartment, then water circulation is achieved, but installation becomes more difficult in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum arrangement is merged with the head end wall structure, combining the water circulation function with the structural enclosure. This integration eliminates the need for separate external plenum components that would complicate installation in limited spaces, as the plenum becomes part of the standard pool construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The plenum arrangement is segmented into a compact head end configuration rather than extending along the entire perimeter. This segmentation concentrates the plenum functionality in a localized region at the head end, reducing the overall installation footprint and simplifying installation in limited spaces while maintaining effective water circulation.
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 design results in a more compact swim spa that is simpler and less expensive to manufacture, while providing sufficient water flow for exercise, reducing installation challenges and maintaining a smaller footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a water propulsion device positioned within the plenum arrangement and creating a pair of circuitous water flow paths that substantially remains within the swimming compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a swimming pool with a circulating water flow. The method including the steps of discharging a jet of water and splitting the flow of water. The discharging step including the discharging of a jet of water from an outlet at a head end of the swimming pool into a swimming compartment, whereby the jet of water flows in a primary flow path toward a foot end of the swimming compartment. The splitting step including the splitting of the flow of water to define two circuitous flow paths, each said flow path having a return flow path flowing within said swimming compartment in a direction generally opposite to said primary flow path back toward said head end.