Modular Buoyancy Members for Pool Hose Floats
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose floats for swimming pools are difficult to install and maintain, as they often become waterlogged, lose buoyancy, or distort, leading to entanglement and sinking issues, and require disassembly of the pump-hose-device assembly for replacement, which is labor-intensive and costly.
Innovation Solution
The design features two or more independently connectable buoyancy members with protrusions and press fit clips or male/female clips to securely attach to the hose, allowing for easy assembly and replacement of individual components, minimizing drag and preventing sliding, and using separate pieces for enhanced flotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece molded float with aperture is used, then the float structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but replacement requires disassembly of the pump-hose-device assembly and the float may slide randomly on the hose
Solution Approach 1:
The float is divided into multiple separate buoyancy members (first buoyancy member, second buoyancy member, etc.) that can be independently attached to and removed from the hose. This segmentation allows individual buoyancy members to be replaced without disassembling the entire pump-hose-device assembly, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and easy repair.
2Ease of operation
If the float aperture diameter is equivalent to or slightly smaller than the hose diameter, then the float can be moved to desired locations during installation, but the float may slide randomly and spacing cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Protrusions are pre-formed on the buoyancy members that engage with corresponding features on the hose. This preliminary structural feature ensures that when the buoyancy members are attached, they maintain a stable, predetermined position and cannot slide randomly, while still allowing positioning during the attachment process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the float is made from inflexible material like hard plastic or wood, then the float structure is rigid and stable, but the float becomes difficult to install and may require cutting or smashing for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The float system uses multiple separate buoyancy members that can be independently attached and removed from the hose. This segmentation transforms the removal process from destroying a single rigid one-piece float to simply detaching individual modular units, making repair easy while maintaining structural stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyancy members are designed with attachment mechanisms (protrusions and corresponding receptacles) that provide a secure, stable connection during operation but allow for easy detachment when repair is needed. This dynamic design enables the float to be both stable during use and easy to remove for replacement.
4Productivity
If the hose delivers pressurized liquid or gas, then the hose functions properly for its intended purpose, but the swelling and distortion causes the float to become locked or fixed on the hose
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism between buoyancy members and hose is designed to accommodate hose swelling and distortion caused by pressurized liquid or gas flow. The protrusions and receptacles maintain engagement while allowing for dimensional changes, preventing the float from becoming locked or fixed on the hose during operation.
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
This solution allows for easy installation and replacement of buoyancy members, reducing material waste and costs, while maintaining buoyancy and minimizing drag, thus preventing hose sinking and entanglement.
Implementation Method 1
it is desirable to float portions of a hose that is to be submersed in a liquid medium. Where the hose is to deliver air or liquid in, to, or through said medium, there is benefit to have such hose, or portions thereof, being buoyant.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a replaceable flotation device for providing buoyancy to a flexible hose. The device generally comprises two or more buoyancy members for surrounding said hose, said buoyancy members are operably connected as an assembly which can be easily replaced or repositioned along a length of the hose.