Single Reversible Motor Pool Cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses for immersed surfaces, such as swimming pool walls, are heavy, costly, and inefficient due to the need for separate electric motors for driving and pumping, leading to suboptimal cleaning performance and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled cleaning apparatus with a single reversible electric motor that simultaneously drives and pumps, using an axial pumping propeller with unidirectional pitch to generate liquid flow, allowing efficient cleaning and filtration without the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, and featuring a compact design with electronic components external to the liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electric motor is used for both driving and pumping, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but cleaning efficiency and pumping performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driving motor and pumping motor into a single integrated motor unit. The motor has a common shaft that simultaneously drives the propulsion wheels and the pumping propeller, eliminating the need for separate motors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electric motor performs multiple functions: it provides both the mechanical drive force for movement across the pool surface and the hydraulic pumping action for debris transport. The motor's shaft transmits power to both the drive wheels and the pumping propeller, making it a universal power source for dual purposes.
2Speed
If the motor is optimized for rapid sweeping coverage, then cleaning speed improves, but pumping performance and debris collection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the motor's rotation speed to optimize performance for different operational phases. The control unit varies the rotation speed to balance between rapid sweeping coverage and effective pumping action, allowing the motor to operate at different speeds depending on whether cleaning speed or debris collection is the priority.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the motor, specifically its rotation speed, to achieve different performance characteristics. By adjusting the rotation speed parameter, the system can prioritize either sweeping speed or pumping capacity depending on the cleaning task requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the motor operates in reverse direction, then trajectory flexibility improves, but pumping efficiency and hydraulic circuit performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts that reverse motor operation creates backflow in the hydraulic circuit and designs the system to accommodate this inversion. The pumping propeller and hydraulic circuit are configured to handle bidirectional flow, with the understanding that reverse operation will create opposite flow directions but still maintain functional pumping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the backflow generated by reverse motor operation to its advantage. The backflow helps push debris toward the filtration chamber and can assist in clearing the pumping inlet, effectively using the otherwise harmful reverse flow to aid the pumping and debris collection process.
4Productivity
If separate motors are used for driving and pumping, then pumping performance improves, but device complexity, cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving and pumping functions into a single motor unit, eliminating the need for separate motors. The common shaft design allows one motor to simultaneously provide propulsion and pumping functions, reducing component count and system complexity while maintaining integrated operation.
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 apparatus achieves high performance in cleaning efficiency and energy usage while being economical, reliable, and compact, with the ability to navigate straight lines and bends efficiently, and has a simplified control unit that minimizes backflow and enhances debris collection.
Implementation Method 1
an axial pumping propeller with unidirectional pitch which creates a flux of liquid which is generally orientated along the rotation axis thereof
Implementation Method 2
a single reversible electric motor carried by said hollow body, and comprising a drive shaft which is simultaneously mechanically connected to at least one of said guiding and driving members
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid, comprising a hollow body, guiding and driving members, a filtration chamber in the hollow body, at least one liquid inlet, at least one liquid outlet out of the hollow body, at least one axial pumping propeller, a single reversible electric motor whose drive shaft, in order to move it, is simultaneously mechanically connected to at least one motorized member and to each pumping propeller. In a first rotation direction of the drive shaft, each motorized member is driven in a forward direction, and each pumping propeller generates the flow of liquid in the normal direction ensuring the cleaning of the immersed surface. In a second rotation direction of the drive shaft, each motorized member is driven in a backward direction opposite the first direction.