Pool Cleaner Direction-Change Structure for Obstacle-Triggered Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cleaners face issues with fixed turnaround times leading to inefficient direction changes due to obstacles, unreliable sensor-based wall detection, and high energy consumption from large-volume swinging elements that detach easily, causing uncertainty in path planning.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical direction change structure with a rotating element, stopping device, and swinging element that uses water flow to adjust direction by abutting and detaching based on obstruction, minimizing energy consumption and ensuring reliable path following.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robotic pool cleaner uses a complex mechanical structure with multiple rollers and drive wheels, then it can achieve better cleaning coverage, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner is divided into functional modules: a suction module with suction nozzle and filter, a propulsion module with propeller, and a control module. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall mechanical structure while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaner's body serves multiple functions: it acts as the housing structure, the collection container for debris, and the mounting platform for all components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaner uses multiple separate components for movement and cleaning, then it can perform multiple functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is integrated directly into the front of the cleaner body, and the filter is positioned within the body cavity. This merging of cleaning components with the main body structure reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining full cleaning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaner body simultaneously serves as structural housing, debris collection container, and mounting framework for all components. This multi-functional design achieves versatility without increasing component count.
3Reliability
If the cleaner has a simple structure with fewer parts, then the device complexity decreases and reliability improves, but cleaning effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner is segmented into essential functional modules (suction, filtration, propulsion) with clear functional boundaries. This segmentation maintains reliability by reducing overall complexity while preserving cleaning effectiveness through dedicated functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzle is specifically designed with an optimized opening angle (30-60 degrees) and positioned at the front lower portion of the body, concentrating cleaning effectiveness at the critical contact point with the pool surface while keeping the rest of the structure simple.
4Productivity
If the suction nozzle has a larger opening angle, then cleaning coverage improves, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle opening angle is optimized to a specific range (30-60 degrees) that balances cleaning coverage with structural integrity. This localized optimization at the nozzle while maintaining overall structural simplicity achieves both goals.
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 structure enables flexible and efficient direction changes without additional power, reducing energy consumption and maintaining consistent path travel, overcoming the limitations of fixed turnaround times and sensor-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
a suction force is generated so as to suck the dirt into the swimming pool cleaner
Implementation Method 2
a propulsive force is generated in a direction from the rear end toward the front end
Implementation Method 3
when the propeller operates, a reaction force is generated, which causes the cleaner body to rotate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a mechanical direction change structure for a pool cleaner, and a pool cleaner. The mechanical direction change structure includes a rotating element, at least one stopping device, and at least one swinging element, where the rotating element includes a water inlet, a middle flow channel, and a rotating water outlet that are sequentially communicated for water to flow through; the rotating element is rotatable around a rotation axis and provided on a pool cleaner body; the stopping device is rotatable relative to the pool cleaner body; the swinging element is swingable around a swinging axis; when a pool cleaner is moving, the stopping device abuts with the swinging element, and the rotating water outlet is positioned in a first propelling direction; and when the pool cleaner is obstructed, the stopping device detaches from the swinging element, and the rotating water outlet rotates towards a second propelling direction. The embodiment of the present disclosure has the following beneficial effects. The embodiment of the present disclosure achieves stable abutment and detachment, avoids excessive energy consumption when the swinging element rotates relative to the pool cleaner body, and facilitates the pool cleaner to move along the desired path.