Perforated Pool Mat for Homogeneous Air Bubble Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies for creating bubbling and sparkling water effects in swimming pools are expensive, complex to install, and fail to achieve homogeneous coverage over large surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer carpet device with a metal structure and perforated flexible strip, connected to a compressor via a distribution cone, which creates a closed air circuit for uniform air bubble distribution across the pool surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bubbling devices are used, then bubbling effect is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebubbling effectVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular components: a flexible carpet with integrated hollow metal bars, edge bands with U-shaped pieces, and a distribution cone. This segmentation allows for simpler installation and maintenance compared to conventional integrated systems, directly addressing the contradiction between achieving reliable bubbling effects and reducing installation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal bars serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide ballast weight to keep the carpet positioned, act as a distribution network for air injection, and form structural support for the flexible carpet. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining reliable bubbling effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional bubbling devices are used, then localized bubbling is achieved, but homogeneous coverage over large surfaces is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebubbling effectVSAvoidcoverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses pneumatic principles by injecting air through the distribution cone into the hollow metal bars, which then distribute air through the flexible carpet's perforations. This pneumatic distribution network enables homogeneous air delivery across large pool surfaces, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable local bubbling effects and achieving uniform coverage over extensive areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible carpet with uniformly distributed perforations and the network of hollow metal bars create homogeneous air distribution across the entire pool surface. The U-shaped pieces ensure air is returned to adjacent spaces, maintaining consistent bubbling density throughout, thus achieving homogeneous coverage while preserving reliable bubbling effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

3Area of stationary object

If air injection is increased to cover larger areas, then coverage area increases, but air distribution homogeneity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidair distribution homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The air distribution system is segmented into multiple hollow metal bars connected in series, with air injected at one end and distributed progressively through the network. The U-shaped pieces return air to adjacent spaces, creating a controlled distribution pattern that maintains homogeneity even as coverage area increases, resolving the contradiction between expanding coverage and preserving distribution uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides a cost-effective and simple method to achieve a homogeneous bubbling or sparkling effect over a swimming pool's surface, enhancing pool decoration with adjustable perforation density and compressor placement options.

Implementation Method 1

a compressor (2) sized according to the size of the swimming pool and connected to this perforated flexible strip (15)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a surface for diffusing air bubbles assimilated to a multi-layer carpet... for creating a homogeneous diffusion of air bubbles over the total or partial surface of a swimming pool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3728764B1Device for enhancing swimming pools by creating a bubbling and/or sparking effect
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 CONRARD VINCENT
  • EP3728764B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3728764B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3728764B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for enhancing swimming pools by creating a bubbling and/or sparkling effect on a given surface. The invention relates to a device in the form of a mat for creating a diffusion of air bubbles rising on all or part of the surface of a swimming pool, making it possible to enhance an already-built swimming pool in a simple manner by adding bubbling and/or sparkling water effects. The device is made up of four major elements which are the multi-layer mat, of which the upper surface is perforated so as to provide the sought bubbling effect, the perforated edge strip attached to the appropriate side of the mat and to which a distribution cone is linked that, in turn, is connected to an air compressor. When the compressor is started up, the output flow is distributed evenly over the entire surface of the mat. The device according to the invention is especially intended for enhancing all types of swimming pools and leisure pools.