Modular Exercise Pool with Segmented Recirculation Duct
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool designs for continuous water circulation require large spaces, high power consumption, and suffer from turbulence issues, which affect swimming comfort and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained exercise pool with a modular design, using a glycol-based hydraulic system and a propulsion unit with dual propellers to create a circulating water flow, which is non-toxic and easy to maintain, and features a removable walk deck for enhanced user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large swimming area is used for continuous water circulation, then water circulation is achieved, but the tank size and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The swimming tank is divided into two distinct zones: a compact swimming area and a separate recirculation duct system. This segmentation allows water circulation to occur in a dedicated channel rather than requiring the entire tank volume to participate in circulation, thus reducing the required tank size while maintaining effective water circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation duct is positioned beneath the floor of the swimming area, utilizing the vertical dimension and space underneath the swimming zone. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the circulation system to occupy space that would otherwise be unused, enabling effective water circulation without increasing the horizontal footprint of the tank.
2Reliability
If a large motor is used to circulate large volume of water, then water circulation is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the water circulation path into a dedicated recirculation duct separate from the main swimming area, the system can circulate water through a controlled, efficient pathway. This reduces the total volume of water that needs to be moved continuously and allows for more efficient motor operation, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs hydraulic principles through the recirculation duct design, utilizing water pressure and flow dynamics to move water efficiently through the circulation path. The turning vanes and duct configuration optimize hydraulic flow, reducing energy losses and allowing for lower power consumption while maintaining effective circulation.
3Reliability
If water circulates beneath the floor without turning vanes, then circulation is achieved, but turbulence increases and swimming comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Turning vanes are introduced as intermediary elements within the recirculation duct to guide and control water flow. These vanes act as mediators that smoothly redirect water from the swimming area into the recirculation duct and back to the swimming area, reducing turbulence and improving swimming comfort while maintaining effective circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning vanes are designed to optimize hydraulic flow patterns, using fluid dynamics principles to minimize turbulence and energy loss. The vanes are positioned and angled to create smooth transitions in water flow, reducing chaotic movement and improving the overall swimming experience while maintaining circulation efficiency.
4Productivity
If turning vanes are used to direct water circulation, then circulation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turning vanes are integrated into the recirculation duct as a unified component system rather than separate complex mechanisms. This segmentation approach allows for efficient water direction while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning vanes are designed to be passively effective, utilizing the natural flow of water to generate the necessary directional force. They do not require active control mechanisms or complex drive systems, allowing the water flow itself to activate and maintain the circulation function, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving circulation efficiency.
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 a compact, energy-efficient, and comfortable swimming experience by minimizing turbulence and power consumption while maintaining water quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a propulsion unit with dual propellers to create a circulating water flow
Data Source
AI summary
A Exercise Pool is disclosed herein having a rigid frame modular in design to allow for improved delivery and assembling. As shown the system may be configured with a box like structure providing containment of the flow head and may be configured with a removable deck having an air gap built in. As disclosed the treadmill swimming pool system as its general configuration is safer for users as it inhibits and/or eliminates hair and body entrapment. As disclosed it has a balanced flow which better replicates or reproduces actual swimming conditions for an enhanced user experience. The propulsion system may be controlled with a variable frequency drive (VFD) to allow for improved swimming conditions and control of same.