Kiddie Pool Water Heater with Self-Priming Pump and Insulated Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for warming kiddie pool water are ineffective, as they rely on sunlight, are dangerous, or require frequent refilling, limiting usage to sunny days and exposing children to UV radiation, while existing products do not address the need for a safe and efficient heating solution.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a self-priming pump, double-insulated reservoir, and Underwriters Laboratory-approved heating element, powered by a standard 120-volt outlet, equipped with safety features like a thermostat and tilt sensor, to heat kiddie pool water efficiently and safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If sunlight is used to heat the water, then the water temperature increases, but the pool can only be used on warm, sunny days and children are exposed to harmful UV radiation
Solution Approach 1:
An electric heater acts as an intermediary device to heat the pool water without requiring direct sunlight exposure. The heater element transfers thermal energy to the water through conduction and convection, enabling temperature control independent of weather conditions and eliminating UV radiation exposure for children playing in the pool.
Solution Approach 2:
The natural solar heating process is replaced with an electric heating system. Instead of relying on solar radiation and thermal mass conversion, an electric heating element directly converts electrical energy to thermal energy through resistive heating, providing a more reliable and safer heating method.
2Temperature
If solar discs are used to heat the water, then the water temperature increases, but the pool requires long periods of sunlight exposure
Solution Approach 1:
Solar discs that rely on prolonged sunlight exposure are replaced with an electric heater that provides rapid heating through direct electrical energy conversion. The heater element immerses in the water and immediately begins transferring thermal energy, reducing the heating time from several hours of sunlight to a matter of minutes or hours of electric operation.
3Temperature
If boiled water is manually added to the pool, then the water temperature increases, but the process is dangerous and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The dangerous manual process of adding boiled water is replaced with an electric heater that safely heats the pool water in place. The heater element serves as an intermediary that converts electrical energy to thermal energy directly in the pool, eliminating the need to handle boiling water and the associated burn hazards.
4Temperature
If an indoor sink attachment for garden hose is used, then warm water can be provided, but the pool must be emptied and refilled frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The inefficient process of emptying and refilling the pool with warm water from an indoor sink is replaced with an electric heater that heats the existing pool water in place. The heater element immerses in the pool and continuously heats the water, eliminating the need to drain and refill the pool and allowing children to play without interruption.
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 comfortable kiddie pool play in any weather condition, ensuring safe and efficient water heating without the need for frequent refilling or exposure to UV radiation, meeting the demand for a safe, affordable, and easy-to-use solution.
Implementation Method 1
a heater used to heat water pulled from the pool
Implementation Method 2
a circulating pump with a heater, the pump draws water from the pool through a hose
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device designed specifically to heat the water in a kiddie pool includes multiple safety features for use among children and pets. This device will allow for comfortable play in the kiddie pool during all hours of the day, even in the absence of sunlight. This device will allow for pools to be set up in the shade and still heated to a comfortable temperature. A standard 120-volt power outlet powers the device. Primary components include a double insulated reservoir, a self-priming pump, heating element, inflow and outflow hoses, and multiple safety features. It is lightweight, portable and specifically designed for use in kiddie pools.