Pool Cleaner Valve and Disc Design for Corners and Wall Climbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic swimming pool cleaners face challenges in effectively navigating pool corners and vertical surfaces due to fixed valve positions and limited flexibility in their components, leading to reduced suction and inefficient cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a repositionable in-line valve assembly that changes the main fluid-flow path direction laterally, combined with non-uniformly flexible discs and innovative apron and foot structures, including elongated bearing surfaces and gripping materials, to enhance cleaning efficiency and prevent sticking in corners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed valve positions are used in automatic swimming pool cleaners, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the cleaner cannot effectively navigate pool corners and vertical surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is made repositionable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The valve can be repositioned to different locations on the cleaner body and rotated to change the direction of the main fluid-flow path, enabling the cleaner to adapt to corners and vertical surfaces while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The repositionable valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow, directs the main fluid-flow path to different areas, and enables the cleaner to navigate various pool geometries including corners and vertical surfaces. This multi-functionality improves adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If uniform flexibility components are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the cleaner cannot maintain suction power when approaching corners
Solution Approach 1:
The apron and disc components are designed with non-uniform flexibility, where different sections have different flexibility characteristics. This allows specific areas to be more compliant for better surface contact and suction maintenance in corners, while other areas remain stiffer for structural support, optimizing cleaning efficiency without excessive manufacturing complexity
3Reliability
If standard disc design is used, then the structure is simple, but the cleaner experiences undesired backward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The disc is designed with asymmetric features including fins and gripping materials positioned specifically to prevent backward movement. The fins extend in a direction that resists reverse motion, and gripping materials are placed to engage with the pool surface, providing reliable movement control through asymmetric geometry rather than complex mechanical systems
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
This configuration allows for improved navigation of pool corners and vertical surfaces, maintaining suction power and preventing undesired backward movement, resulting in more effective cleaning and closer adherence to the pool surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an in-line valve assembly that is periodically repositioned, typically laterally (i.e. from side-to-side) relative to the surface to be cleaned, effectively changing the initial direction of the main fluid-flow path through the cleaner body
Implementation Method 2
a sealing mechanism that seals against the to-be-cleaned surface on the side of the valve assembly opposite the one toward which the valve is positioned at any given time
Implementation Method 3
aprons and discs of non-uniform flexibility, and the use of fins and gripping materials to enhance movement and sealing capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for cleaning vessels, especially swimming pools, are discussed. The devices may include repositionable in-line valves, with the valves typically moving laterally (from side to side) and changing the initial direction of the main fluid-flow path through the valves and corresponding cleaner bodies. Asymmetric feet may be utilized as part of the devices, whose bottom bearing surfaces may include elongated strips of material placed parallel to the normally-forward direction of travel of the devices. Discs of non-uniform flexibility also may be employed, and blocking tabs or gripping material may be used to inhibit undesired backward movement of a cleaner when its operation commences.