Swimming Pool Cleaner Side Intake Flaps for Wider Suction Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swimming pool cleaners have a limited suction cleaning path width, which increases cleaning time but widening them compromises maneuverability and requires more power, making them heavier and harder to handle.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of side intake flaps that diverge outward from the housing, angled to funnel water and debris under them, increasing the cleaning path width without sacrificing suction power, using a lightweight yet sturdy material like PVC and a rotating wheel to maintain clearance above the pool floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the width of the pool cleaner is increased to increase the suction cleaning path, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the maneuverability and ability to clean indentations/bends/transitional areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into a main housing body and detachable side intake flaps. The flaps can be independently attached or removed, allowing the cleaning path width to be adjusted without changing the entire device structure. This segmentation enables the device to maintain a compact core size for maneuverability while expanding the cleaning path when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The side intake flaps are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable rather than fixed. The flaps can be positioned at different angles and orientations to adapt to various pool geometries, including straight sections, bends, and transitional areas. This dynamic adjustability allows the device to optimize its cleaning path width for different cleaning scenarios while maintaining maneuverability.
2Productivity
If the width of the pool cleaner is increased to increase the suction cleaning path, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the weight of the pool cleaner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into a main housing body and detachable side intake flaps. The flaps can be independently attached or removed, allowing the cleaning path width to be adjusted without changing the entire device structure. This segmentation enables the device to maintain a compact core size for maneuverability while expanding the cleaning path when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The side intake flaps are constructed from lightweight yet durable materials that provide structural integrity while minimizing weight addition. The flaps use thin-walled constructions and flexible connections that allow them to be easily attached and removed without significantly increasing the overall weight of the cleaning device.
3Productivity
If the width of the pool cleaner is increased to increase the suction cleaning path, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but more power/suction is required to move the drive members
Solution Approach 1:
The side intake flaps are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable rather than fixed. The flaps can be positioned at different angles and orientations to adapt to various pool geometries, including straight sections, bends, and transitional areas. This dynamic adjustability allows the device to optimize its cleaning path width for different cleaning scenarios while maintaining maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for changing the effective cleaning width parameter by attaching or removing side intake flaps, rather than permanently increasing the device width. This parameter change enables the cleaning path width to be optimized for specific cleaning needs without permanently increasing drag and power requirements. The flaps are designed to minimize hydrodynamic resistance while maximizing cleaning efficiency.
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
Enhances cleaning efficiency by widening the suction path without reducing suction power, allowing for balanced flow and easier navigation of pool cleaners through indentations and bends.
Implementation Method 1
the flap diverges outward from the slot and is fan shaped... the interior of the flap is angled downward so that a distance above a bottom surface of the flap decreases as the flap extends outward away from the housing
Implementation Method 2
A wheel is coupled to the flap. The wheel keeps a bottom surface of the flap a minimum distance above a floor/wall of a swimming pool
Implementation Method 3
The drive member may also be used to create at least a partial vacuum so that water will be encourage to enter one or more intake ports formed in the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated swimming pool cleaner has a housing having an inlet formed on a bottom surface thereof. At least one slot is formed in a bottom side surface of the housing. A flap is provided and is in fluid communication with the slot. A wheel is coupled to the flap. The wheel keeps a bottom surface of the flap a minimum distance above a floor/wall of a swimming pool.