Pool Cleaner Sideways Motion for Waterline Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pool cleaning apparatuses have difficulty thoroughly cleaning the waterline at the sidewall of a swimming pool, are time-consuming due to continuous climbing, and have poor cleaning efficiency on this area.

Innovation Solution

A pool cleaning apparatus is designed to move sideways by controlling a discharging pump to provide thrust opposite the direction of movement and adjusting the rotational speed difference of driving wheels on both sides to tilt the apparatus, allowing it to clean the waterline effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the existing pool cleaning apparatus climbs upwards and/or downwards continuously on the wall of the pool, then it can clean the wall of the pool, but it is time-consuming and has poor cleaning effect on the waterline

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidtime-consuming
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pool cleaning apparatus transitions from a fixed climbing motion to a dynamic sideways movement mode. The apparatus can switch between climbing mode and sideways movement mode, allowing it to move horizontally along the waterline when detecting favorable conditions (such as appropriate water flow or inclination angle), thereby reducing time spent on continuous climbing while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus introduces sideways movement as a new dimension of motion in addition to the traditional vertical climbing motion. By moving horizontally along the waterline through sideways movement, the apparatus can cover more area efficiently without repeatedly climbing up and down, thus improving productivity and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the existing pool cleaning apparatus cleans the wall of the pool, then it can remove dirt from the wall, but the waterline cannot be cleaned thoroughly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning thoroughnessVSAvoidcleaning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus applies different cleaning strategies for different areas. When the apparatus detects it is at the waterline area (through sensors detecting water level or inclination), it activates sideways movement mode to specifically target the waterline for thorough cleaning, while using traditional climbing mode for general wall cleaning. This localized adaptation ensures thorough cleaning of the waterline without compromising overall ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus uses its own discharge pump to generate water flow that assists in the sideways movement and cleaning process. The discharged water creates thrust that propels the apparatus sideways along the waterline, enabling the apparatus to perform both movement and cleaning functions using its own resources, thereby achieving thorough waterline cleaning while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 can thoroughly clean the waterline, including corners, with improved efficiency by moving sideways and tilting, ensuring no dead angles are left uncleaned.

Implementation Method 1

controlling the discharging pump to provide a thrust to a side opposite the one side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrust: Force

Implementation Method 2

controlling the pool cleaning apparatus to drive the driving wheels on both sides at a target rotational speed difference, so that the pool cleaning apparatus is tilted towards the one side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250382814A1Sideways movement method for pool cleaning apparatus and corresponding pool cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.18 AIPER GLOBAL PTE LTD
  • US20250382814A1 patent drawing
  • US20250382814A1 patent drawing
  • US20250382814A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a method for a pool cleaning apparatus to move sideways and a corresponding pool cleaning apparatus. The method may include: if the condition for the pool cleaning apparatus to move sideways is satisfied, controlling the pool cleaning apparatus to enter a sideways movement operating mode, so that the pool cleaning apparatus moves towards one side, and in the sideways movement operating mode, controlling a discharging pump to provide a thrust to a side opposite the one side; in the sideways movement operating mode, controlling the pool cleaning apparatus to drive the driving wheels on both sides at a target rotational speed difference, so that the pool cleaning apparatus is tilted towards the one side.