Pool Cleaner Hydrocyclonic Separator and Driven Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool cleaners face issues with clogged filter elements, reduced suction performance, and difficulties in handling debris, as well as getting stuck on obstacles during cleaning, which affects the efficiency and completeness of pool cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The swimming pool cleaner incorporates a hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly with a canister subassembly and drive assembly featuring six driven brushed rollers, allowing for improved debris separation and navigation over various pool surfaces, including convex and concave surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional filter elements (bags, mesh, baskets) are used in the pool cleaner, then debris can be trapped, but the filter elements quickly become clogged or occluded, reducing suction performance and requiring frequent cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filtration function from traditional filter elements and implements a hydrocyclonic separation system. Debris-laden water is fed into cyclone separators that use centrifugal force to separate debris from water, with separated water returning to the pool and debris collected in a container. This eliminates the clogging problem inherent in traditional filter elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system (bags, mesh, baskets) with a hydrocyclonic separation system that uses centrifugal force generated by rotating cyclone separators. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for filter elements that can become clogged, thereby improving reliability and productivity.
2Productivity
If the pool cleaner encounters obstacles (lights, drains) during cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but the cleaner may get stuck, resulting in partial cleaning and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements six driven rollers that can function both as propulsion mechanisms for moving the cleaner along pool surfaces and as lifting mechanisms for overcoming obstacles. The rollers can be independently controlled to lift the cleaner body when encountering obstacles like lights or drains, preventing the cleaner from getting stuck and ensuring complete cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically controllable driven rollers that can adjust their function in real-time. When an obstacle is detected, the rollers can switch from propulsion mode to lifting mode, dynamically adapting to different operational conditions to maintain cleaning efficiency and completeness.
3Ease of operation
If users manually clean or replace filter elements, then debris can be removed, but users must directly handle filter elements and debris, and may get debris and water on themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the debris separation function from the user's manual cleaning task and implements automated hydrocyclonic separation. The system automatically separates and collects debris, eliminating the need for users to manually handle filter elements and debris, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing harmful exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrocyclonic separation system performs self-service by automatically separating and collecting debris without requiring user intervention. The system maintains itself by continuously separating debris from water and storing it in a container, freeing users from the cumbersome task of manual filter cleaning.
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 enhances debris separation and filtration efficiency, reduces the likelihood of the cleaner getting stuck, and improves overall cleaning performance by effectively managing debris and navigating complex pool surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The pool cleaner incorporates a hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly
Implementation Method 2
hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly with a canister subassembly
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to pool cleaners that remove debris from water using a plurality of cyclonic flows, or that include a removable impeller subassembly, a check valve for a debris canister, a particle separator assembly having a handle that locks to the pool cleaner, a modular roller drive gear box, or a roller latch that secures a roller to the pool cleaner. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to the check valve and the roller latch themselves. Exemplary embodiments are directed to a filter medium for pool cleaners that includes embossments providing flow channels for water, and to roller assemblies for pool cleaners. Exemplary embodiments are directed to pool cleaners including alternative pump motor engagements. Exemplary embodiments are directed to pool cleaners power supplies that include a potted and contoured power board assembly, and to kickstands therefor. Exemplary embodiments are directed to a pool cleaner caddy, and removable wheels therefor.