Pool Cleaner Wall Docking for Debris Canister Access Without Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic/electric pool cleaners require manual removal for emptying debris canisters, recharging, and battery replacement, which is tedious and potentially dangerous due to their weight.
Innovation Solution
An automatic pool/spa cleaner with a wall docking feature that allows the cleaner to travel upward and dock against the pool wall, enabling easy access and emptying of the debris canister, recharging of the battery, and servicing of other components without removing the cleaner from the pool, facilitated by rotatable arms and a cable retention system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robotic/electric pool cleaners are used for automatic cleaning, then cleaning convenience is improved, but manual removal for emptying and recharging becomes tedious and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner automatically returns to the dock and performs recharging and emptying operations autonomously. The dock system automatically receives the cleaner, connects power, and handles debris removal without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock acts as an intermediary between the cleaner and the external environment. It provides the interface for power transfer, debris removal, and cable management, eliminating the need for direct manual handling of the cleaner unit.
2Power
If the cleaner is made heavy for better cleaning performance, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but manual handling becomes more difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy cleaner services itself at the dock by automatically recharging and emptying its debris canister. The system eliminates manual lifting and handling by having the cleaner autonomously return to the dock where all heavy-duty operations are performed automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The debris canister is extracted as a separate removable component that can be automatically emptied at the dock. This allows the heavy cleaner body to remain in the pool while only the lightweight canister is handled externally for debris removal.
3Productivity
If the cleaner remains in the pool for continuous cleaning, then cleaning productivity is improved, but access for emptying and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dock serves as an intermediary platform that allows the cleaner to remain in the pool during cleaning operations while providing easy access for maintenance. The dock is positioned at the pool edge where operators can easily access the cleaner for canister removal and other maintenance tasks without entering the pool or handling the entire cleaner unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaner automatically returns to the dock before maintenance operations are needed, positioning itself in advance for easy access. This preliminary return allows the operator to perform maintenance tasks without interrupting the overall cleaning cycle or having to manually retrieve the cleaner from the pool.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic pool/spa cleaner with a wall docking feature is provided. The cleaner includes a housing, a removable debris canister, a plurality of traction wheels, and an exhaust port. After completion of a cleaning cycle, the cleaner travels upward along a wall of the pool or spa to a position where at least a portion of the canister is positioned above the water line of the pool or spa, and remains in that position in order to allow an operator to detach and empty the debris canister without requiring the cleaner to be removed from the pool or spa. A cable retention system also provides for automatic supply, tensioning, and reeling in a of power and/or communications cable associated with the cleaner. A “touch-free” debris basket allows for insertion/removal of a debris basket through a passageway of the cable retention system.