Integrated Electrochemical Chlorine Generator for Robotic Pool Cleaners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic pool cleaners require complex installations, specialized maintenance, and high operational costs due to the need for separate chemical dispensers and external chlorinators, posing safety hazards and inefficiencies in chlorine distribution.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled pool cleaner integrated with an electrochemical chlorine generator, featuring a programmable controller and pump sequence to produce and distribute bactericidal chlorine, allowing for safe, efficient, and cost-effective sanitization without external chlorinators or chemical additives, with easy access and replacement of the chlorine generator for user maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an in-line electrochemical chlorine generator is installed outside the pool, then chlorine production capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to requiring plumbers and electricians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chlorine generator with the robotic pool cleaner into a single integrated unit. The generator is mounted within the cleaner's housing and utilizes the cleaner's existing pump and power supply systems, eliminating the need for separate external installation infrastructure and professional installation services
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic pool cleaner is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical cleaning of pool surfaces and electrochemical chlorine generation. This multi-functionality allows the single device to replace both the traditional cleaner and the external chlorinator system
2Reliability
If a chemical dispenser with solid chemicals is used, then sanitation function is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical chemical dispenser system with an electrochemical chlorine generator. Instead of mechanically dispensing solid chemicals through complex dispensing mechanisms, the system uses electrochemical reactions to generate chlorine in-situ from dissolved salts in the pool water
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the form of chlorine delivery from solid chemical pellets to electrochemically generated dissolved chlorine. This parameter change from solid to dissolved state simplifies the delivery mechanism and eliminates the need for complex dispensing hardware
3Productivity
If concentrated chlorine water is discharged onto the pool deck, then chlorine distribution is improved, but safety hazards increase for barefoot bathers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the pool water itself as an intermediary medium to distribute chlorine. The generator discharges chlorine-containing water into the pool water, which then naturally circulates and distributes the chlorine throughout the pool, avoiding direct contact with the pool deck and bathers
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the pool's existing water circulation and hydraulic flow patterns to distribute chlorine throughout the pool. The discharged chlorine water mixes with circulating pool water, leveraging natural convection and pump-driven flow for homogeneous distribution without requiring additional discharge infrastructure
4Reliability
If an in-line chlorinator with automated control is used, then sanitation reliability is improved, but operational cost increases due to requiring experienced plumbers and electricians
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated chlorine generator is designed to be easily accessible and replaceable by the pool owner without requiring professional technical service. The generator can be manually removed and replaced by the user, eliminating the need for experienced plumbers and electricians for maintenance operations
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 homogeneous chlorine distribution, reduces operational costs, and extends the life of the pool cleaner by minimizing wear on components, while allowing users to maintain the system without specialized training, ensuring safe and efficient sanitization of pool water.
Implementation Method 1
a chlorine generator electrochemically produces biocidal chlorine to sanitize pool water through an electrolysis process. During the process, salt, i.e., sodium chloride, or NaCl, present in the water is consumed on the electrode and chlorine (Cl 2 ) is generated
Implementation Method 2
Thereafter, a disproportionation reaction takes place to convert the dissolved chlorine to hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions, which are the active chemicals for the sanitation of pool water
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A robotic pool cleaner (10) having an exterior housing and an electrochemical chlorine generator assembly mounted inside the housing. The electrochemical chlorine generator assembly comprises a plurality of conductive electrodes operatively connected to generator terminals for receiving power from a power source, a case (30) constructed of a non-conductive material in which the plurality of electrodes are mounted. The case (30) has passages for the movement of pool water across the chlorine·generating surfaces of the electrodes. The case (30) further comprises mounting means (124,126) on the case (30) for securely engaging corresponding receiving means (140, 142, 144, 146) on a structural member (150) of the pool cleaner housing for securing said electrochemical chlorine generator assembly in an operable position in which said generator terminals are in mating contact with power conductors mounted in said pool cleaner (10). The case (30) also comprises manually releasable engagement surfaces for separating said mounting (124,126) and receiving means (140, 142, 144, 146) to thereby permit removal of the electrochemical chlorine generator assembly from the interior of the pool cleaner housing.