Illuminated Debris Filter for Swimming Pool Cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool cleaners, particularly suction-side APCs, lack a means to visually inspect the cleanliness of on-board debris filters without removing them from the body, which can lead to reduced cleaning performance and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light source within the body of the swimming pool cleaner, positioned to project light onto or into the on-board filter, allowing for visual examination of the filter's cleanliness without removing it from the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the debris filter is placed within the body of the cleaner, then the cleaner structure is more compact and integrated, but the filter becomes invisible and cannot be visually inspected without removal
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent or translucent cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the user and the debris filter. This cover allows light to pass through while maintaining the compact integrated structure, enabling visual inspection of the filter contents without physical removal of the filter from the cleaner body.
2Device complexity
If the filter is positioned internally within the cleaner body, then the cleaner design is more integrated, but the filter requires removal for viewing which interrupts operation
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent cover serves as a mediator that eliminates the need to remove the filter for inspection. Users can view the filter contents through the cover while the cleaner continues to operate, thus maintaining design integration while preventing operational interruptions.
3Device complexity
If no illumination is provided, then the cleaner structure remains simple, but the filter cleanliness cannot be assessed when the cover is opaque or in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
An illumination source is introduced as an intermediary element that provides active lighting to enhance visibility through the transparent cover. This allows users to assess filter cleanliness in various lighting conditions without complicating the overall structure significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of transparent or translucent cover material allows light to pass through and enables visual detection of debris accumulation in the filter. The material properties facilitate light transmission while maintaining structural integrity and protection.
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
Enables users to assess the cleanliness of the on-board filter without interrupting the cleaner's operation, facilitating timely maintenance and maintaining optimal cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source is included within the body of the APC. The light source may be configured and positioned to project light onto or into (or both onto and into) the on-board filter
Data Source
AI summary
A swimming pool cleaner may include at least one light source within its body. The light source may be positioned to project light onto or into (or both onto and into) an on-board filter of the cleaner, facilitating visual examination of the cleanliness of the in situ filter. A transparent region of the body may permit viewing of the on-board filter from outside the body.