Autonomously Retracting Pool Cleaner Hose Reel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool cleaners leave hoses and pool cleaners as obstacles in the pool after use, requiring manual removal, which is inconvenient and hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a hose reel mechanism powered by fluid flow to automatically extend and retract the hose, utilizing a turbine to convert fluid flow into rotational motion, storing energy in a spring coil to retract the hose and pool cleaner to a docking station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional pool cleaner with hose is used, then the pool can be cleaned automatically, but the hose and cleaner remain as obstacles in the pool requiring manual removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the pool cleaner to automatically return to the reel and the hose to automatically retract after cleaning operations. The reel assembly with spring mechanism and fluid-driven turbine creates a self-service system that eliminates manual intervention for hose retraction and cleaner retrieval, allowing the system to service itself after use
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded during the hose extension phase, storing energy that will be used later for automatic retraction. The system performs preliminary action by winding the spring as the hose extends, preparing the energy storage needed for the automatic return and retraction sequence
2Ease of operation
If the hose is left in the pool after use, then no manual retrieval is needed, but it creates hazards and obstacles in the pool
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic retraction system performs the hazardous task of hose retrieval without human intervention. The reel assembly automatically winds the hose back into the housing, and the cleaner is pulled in by the retracting hose, eliminating the need for manual handling of obstacles in the pool
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of the hose remaining as an obstacle into benefit by using the same hose as a retrieval mechanism. The retracting hose actively pulls the cleaner back to the reel, transforming the hazard into the means of resolution
3Extent of automation
If a reel mechanism with spring storage is used, then the hose can be automatically retracted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into a single integrated reel assembly: the spring mechanism for energy storage, the turbine for fluid-driven operation, and the hose winding function. This consolidation achieves automatic retraction while minimizing the number of separate components and assemblies needed
Solution Approach 2:
The reel assembly serves multiple functions: it stores the hose, stores energy in the spring, converts fluid flow to rotational motion via the turbine, and provides the mechanical force for retraction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function
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 system allows for automatic retraction of the hose and pool cleaner, eliminating the need for manual removal and ensuring the cleaner is out of the way after use, enhancing convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The flow of fluid may cause a turbine to rotate, converting the linear flow of fluid into rotational motion
Implementation Method 2
the energy stored by the spring coil may cause the hose reel to automatically retract
Data Source
AI summary
A swimming pool cleaner coupled to a hose, wherein the hose is configured to automatically extend and retract.