Multi-Lobe Pool Cleaner Filter Bag for Higher Debris Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional filter bags for swimming pool cleaners often require frequent emptying due to limited debris capacity and can become detached from the hose, leading to entanglement or misplacement of support devices.

Innovation Solution

Dual-lobe filter bags with multiple debris-containing pockets and a symmetric design that includes hook-and-loop fasteners or other connection mechanisms to secure the hose, allowing independent lobe emptying and improved water flow, reducing back pressure and preventing detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a single rear pocket design is used, then the device complexity is low, but the debris capacity is limited requiring frequent emptying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris capacityVSAvoidbag structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter bag is divided into multiple lobes (typically three) with individual rear pockets separated by divider seams. Each lobe can be independently opened and emptied through its own rear seam, allowing the debris capacity to be increased while maintaining manageable operational complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the filter bag is mounted without support members, then the device complexity is low, but the bag becomes detached under debris weight leading to entanglement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag attachment reliabilityVSAvoidsupport member complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is integrated directly into the filter bag construction as an inherent component rather than a separate attachment device. The support member extends from the rear of the bag and works in conjunction with the lobes to provide stable mounting on the suction mast, reducing the need for additional separate support devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is pre-positioned and integrated into the bag structure before use, allowing the bag to be properly positioned and secured on the suction mast from the outset, preventing detachment and entanglement issues that would require corrective intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stress or pressure

If a single large opening is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the water flow creates high back pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveback pressureVSAvoidbag construction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single large opening is divided into multiple smaller openings distributed across the front of each lobe. This segmentation increases the total surface area available for water flow, reducing back pressure on the cleaner while maintaining relatively simple construction through repetitive modular patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the rear seam is not separable, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the debris removal requires emptying the entire bag

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidseam construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rear seam of each lobe is made separable independently of the others, allowing users to open and empty only the specific lobe that is full. This improves operational efficiency by eliminating the need to empty the entire bag when only one lobe is full, while the separable seam construction remains relatively simple using standard zipper or snap mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2054568B1Multi-lobe filter bag principally for pool cleaner
Publication Date: 2015.05.06 ZODIAC POOL SYST
  • EP2054568B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2054568B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Filters principally for automatic swimming pool cleaners are detailed. The filters include bags of porous material formed into at least two lobes. At least one divider separates a primary flow path through the bags from multiple debris-collecting pockets.