Pleated Filter Holder for Swimming Pool Cleaners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile pool cleaners with bag filters face insufficient filtration area and particle mesh size issues, as pleated cylindrical filters with open ends cannot be securely attached to the pipe stub, leading to ineffective water filtration.
Innovation Solution
A filter holder that seals one end of the pleated filter and secures it to the pipe stub using a cap and coupler, preventing water from being discharged without filtration, and optionally includes an adapter for non-matching pipe stubs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a bag filter is used, then the filter can be easily attached to the pipe stub, but the filtration area and particle mesh size are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the filter by using a pleated cylindrical filter element instead of a bag filter. The pleated structure increases the surface area by a factor of 5-10 times while maintaining a compact cylindrical shape that can be attached to the pipe stub, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of attachment and filtration area.
2Area of moving object
If a pleated cylindrical filter with open ends is used, then the filtration area is increased, but the filter cannot be securely attached to the pipe stub
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the filter assembly into distinct components: a coupler that attaches to the pipe stub, a pleated filter element, and an end cap. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the coupler provides secure attachment, the pleated element provides filtration area, and the end cap seals the open end, thus resolving the contradiction between increased filtration area and attachment security.
3Speed
If the open end of the pleated filter is left open, then water flow is maintained, but water is discharged without undergoing filtration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the filter element itself by adding a separate end cap component. This end cap is fitted to the open end of the pleated filter, preventing water from bypassing the filtration media while maintaining the pressure differential needed for effective filtration, thus resolving the contradiction between water flow and filtration effectiveness.
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 filter holder effectively secures pleated filters in place, ensuring all water passes through the filtration element, enhancing filtration efficiency and adaptability to different pipe stub configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The cap and the coupler are drawn towards one another by the coupler, thereby clamping the filter stably between elements of the coupler
Implementation Method 2
The cap and the coupler are drawn towards one another by the coupler, thereby clamping the filter stably between elements of the coupler. The coupler also engages the pipe stub of the swimming pool cleaner, thereby mounting the filter in place on the swimming pool cleaner
Implementation Method 3
Pleated cylindrical filters are superior in both aspects, but are not attachable to the pipe stub as is a bag type filter
Data Source
AI summary
A filter holder for holding an open ended filter having an open proximal end and an open distal end in an operative position on a swimming pool cleaner having a pipe stub for receiving one open end of the filter is shown and described. The filter holder includes a cap for covering one open end of the filter, a coupler configured to cooperate with and engage the pipe stub, and a spanning connector configured to span and connect the cap and the coupler outside the pipe stub of the filter. The coupler may include L-shaped brackets. A constricting collar pins the brackets to the pipe stub. The spanning connector may include compression rods and nuts. The filter holder may include an optional adapter collar separable from the coupler, to adapt diameters of the coupler and the pipe stub. The invention may alternatively be considered to be a mobile swimming pool cleaner having a pleated medium filter rather than a flaccid bag filter.