Pool Cleaner Cable Twisting Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic swimming pool cleaners often fail to effectively dislodge and collect fine sediment and debris from submerged pool surfaces, as these particles are not removed by standard filtration systems and existing cleaners may experience excess twisting of power cables during operation.
Innovation Solution
An electric-powered pool cleaner with a traction drive system, pressurized water management system using venturi action, and a directional control system incorporating an on-board compass to prevent cable twisting, allowing for efficient debris collection and untwisting of power cables during random travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pool cleaner travels randomly over submerged surfaces, then it can effectively clean floor and wall surfaces, but the power cable becomes excessively twisted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power cable flexible and adaptable to the cleaner's movements. The cable is designed to dynamically adjust its configuration as the cleaner moves randomly, allowing it to accommodate changes in position and orientation without excessive twisting or tension, thus maintaining both cleaning effectiveness and cable integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the flexible cable management system) between the power source and the cleaner. This intermediary allows the cable to absorb and distribute the stresses of random movement, preventing direct transmission of twisting forces to the cable while still enabling full range of motion for cleaning operations
2Productivity
If standard filtration systems are used, then suspended particulate is removed efficiently, but settled debris on pool surfaces remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning function into two distinct components: a filtration system for removing suspended particulate from the water column, and a surface cleaning mechanism (the pool cleaner) for removing settled debris. This segmentation allows each system to specialize in its respective function, with the filtration system handling suspended particles and the cleaner handling settled material on surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the pool cleaner as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the filtration system and settled debris. While the filtration system handles suspended particles, the cleaner acts as an intermediary mechanism that directly contacts and removes settled debris from surfaces, complementing the filtration system's capabilities
3Reliability
If electric power is used to drive the cleaner, then operation is reliable, but cable twisting occurs during random travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the power cable system to be flexible and adaptable to the cleaner's random movements. The cable can dynamically adjust its configuration as the cleaner changes position and orientation, preventing excessive twisting while maintaining reliable electric power delivery throughout the cleaning operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cable system by using a flexible, adaptable cable design that can accommodate variations in position, orientation, and movement patterns. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain reliable power delivery while preventing harmful twisting forces during random travel
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 solution enables effective dislodging and collection of debris from submerged surfaces while preventing power cable twisting, ensuring efficient operation and prolonged cable life.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi vacuum mechanism for vacuuming debris and sediment into a filter bag
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic pool cleaner is provided of the type for random travel over submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool or the like to dislodge and collect debris. The pool cleaner includes an electric-powered traction drive system for rotatably driving cleaner wheels, and an electric-powered water management system including a water supply pump and related manifold unit for venturi-vacuuming and collection of settled debris within a porous filter bag. A directional control system including an on-board compass monitors turning movements of the pool cleaner during normal random travel operation, and functions to regulate the traction drive system in a manner to prevent, e.g., excess twisting of a conduit such as a power cable tethered to the pool cleaner.