Omnidirectional Pool Cleaner With Vertical Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction-side automatic pool cleaners are influenced by connected hoses, limiting their omnidirectional movement and debris collection efficiency due to the water-hammer effect, which leads them to follow the hose and get stuck in corners or behind obstacles.
Innovation Solution
The design features flexible discs with vertically oriented water flow paths and collapsible feet that pivot and rotate, allowing the cleaner to move omnidirectionally without hose influence, using a mechanism of interconnected gears and springs for directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional suction-side APCs use acutely-angled flow paths and water-hammer effects for movement, then energy utilization is improved, but the cleaners are led by hoses and cannot move omnidirectionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by orienting the flow path perpendicularly to the pool floor instead of at an acute angle. This reversal eliminates the horizontal vector component that causes hose-following behavior, allowing the cleaner to move omnidirectionally without being led by the hose while still utilizing the water-hammer effect for energy-efficient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation of the flow path from a two-dimensional horizontal vector component to a three-dimensional vertical orientation perpendicular to the pool floor. This dimensional change eliminates the hose-following effect while preserving the energy-efficient water-hammer movement mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If APCs follow the hose due to horizontal vector component of flow path, then movement is controlled, but coverage of entire pool floor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the flow path orientation to be perpendicular to the pool floor, the patent eliminates the horizontal vector component that causes hose-following. This allows the cleaner to explore the entire pool floor omnidirectionally, maximizing cleaning coverage while maintaining adequate movement control through the vertical flow path.
3Ease of operation
If APCs are led into corners or behind obstacles by hose influence, then directional guidance is provided, but escape capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the flow path orientation to eliminate horizontal vector influence from the hose, preventing the cleaner from being led into corners or behind obstacles. The perpendicular orientation allows the cleaner to move freely in all directions, maintaining escape capability while providing sufficient directional control through the water-hammer effect.
4Power
If flow path is oriented at acute angle to pool floor, then water-hammer effect is generated, but hose influence on cleaner movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional acute-angle flow path orientation to a perpendicular orientation relative to the pool floor. This inversion maintains the water-hammer effect for powerful movement while eliminating the horizontal vector component that causes harmful hose influence, allowing omnidirectional movement without directional bias.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the flow path from a two-dimensional acute-angle orientation to a three-dimensional perpendicular orientation. This dimensional change preserves the energy-generating water-hammer effect while eliminating the horizontal vector component that causes hose-following behavior, reducing harmful hose influence.
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 design enables APCs to move and collect debris freely in any direction, reducing hose influence and eliminating the need for directional alignment, enhancing coverage and functionality compared to conventional cleaners.
Implementation Method 1
Periodic flow interruption creates a 'water-hammer' effect, with the resulting energy used to move the APCs within pools.
Implementation Method 2
when the flexible disc contacts a pool floor or other generally horizontal surface, water flows through the water-flow passage at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees thereto
Data Source
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AI summary
Automatic pool cleaners (APCs) and components thereof are detailed. The APC body is connected to a flexible disc. The APC provides a waterflow path which is perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned. Thus, unlike existing disc-based cleaners, the APCs may reduce influence of connected hoses on their movements within pools.