Robotic Pool Cleaner Internal Filter Backwash System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic pool cleaning devices require manual maintenance to clean and reinstall filters, which is time-consuming and can lead to physical damage or debris bypass, due to clogged filters reducing filtering efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A filter backwash system that uses pressurized water streams to rinse debris from the filter medium, allowing for easy cleaning within the robotic cleaner without manual filter removal, utilizing structures like tubes, oscillating sprinklers, and rotating sprinkler assemblies to dislodge debris and direct it to a disposal area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual filter cleaning is used, then the filter can be cleaned thoroughly, but the maintenance time increases and the risk of physical damage or improper reinstallation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cleaning system is integrated into the robotic pool cleaner itself, allowing the device to clean its own filter automatically during operation. The backwash pump circulates water through the filter in reverse direction, and spray nozzles positioned inside the filter housing direct water streams at the filter elements to dislodge and flush debris without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by continuously or periodically backwashing the filter during pool cleaning operations, preventing debris accumulation before it blocks the filter completely. This proactive approach maintains filter efficiency throughout the cleaning cycle rather than waiting for manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If manual filter cleaning is used, then debris can be removed, but the complexity of disassembly and reassembly increases the risk of improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic cleaner autonomously performs filter cleaning without requiring the user to disassemble any components. All cleaning operations are conducted internally through the integrated backwash system, eliminating the need for manual handling, disconnection, and reconnection of filter elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is extracted from manual operation and integrated into the automated system. The backwash pump and spray nozzle system are positioned within the cleaner housing to directly access and clean the filter elements without requiring removal from the device.
3Productivity
If the filter operates continuously without cleaning, then the cleaning operation is maintained, but the filtering efficiency decreases as debris accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cleaning action continues continuously or periodically during pool cleaning operations through the integrated backwash system. The pump circulates water through the filter elements, and spray nozzles maintain continuous flushing action to prevent debris accumulation that would compromise filtering efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic backwashing cycles during operation, where the pump intermittently reverses water flow through the filter and activates spray nozzles to dislodge and flush accumulated debris, maintaining filter efficiency without interrupting overall cleaning productivity.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient filter cleaning without manual handling, reducing maintenance time and risk of damage, while ensuring effective debris removal and improved filtering efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a backwash pump positioned within the cleaner housing and configured to circulate water through the filter in a reverse direction
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of spray nozzles positioned inside the filter housing and arranged to direct streams of water at the filter elements
Implementation Method 3
an internal filter configured to capture and hold debris within the cleaner as water flows through the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled robotic cleaning apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface of a pool or tank includes a housing defining an interior chamber containing a filter assembly for filtering water flowing through at least one water inlet formed in the base plate. A filter backwash assembly is positioned within the interior chamber and has at least one fluid discharge outlet for providing a pressurized flow of a fluid towards the exterior surface of the filter assembly as a backwash to rinse and dislodge the debris therefrom.