Pool Cleaner Wall Steering With Non-Vertical Cleaning Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cleaners are inefficient and time-consuming when traversing vertical pool walls due to continuous ascending and descending, and struggle with navigating obstacles, leading to ineffective algae removal and potential slipping issues.
Innovation Solution
A pool cleaner equipped with sensors for yaw and orientation, a steering module that can independently drive different interfacing elements, and a controller to manage non-vertical cleaning paths, allowing for efficient horizontal or angled movements along pool sidewalls while maintaining contact and minimizing turns, and optionally using a jetting module or maneuverable handle for enhanced navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pool cleaners traverse vertical pool walls by continuous ascending and descending, then they can clean the wall surfaces, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-vertical cleaning paths with angled segments that allow the pool cleaner to move along the pool wall at oblique angles rather than strictly vertical trajectories. This dimensional change in movement pattern enables the cleaner to cover wall surfaces more efficiently by combining vertical progression with horizontal advancement, reducing the total time required for wall traversal while maintaining effective cleaning coverage.
2Productivity
If pool cleaners climb vertical walls to remove algae and scum, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the cleaner experiences gravitational forces causing slips and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterbalancing mechanisms that generate forces opposing the gravitational pull on the pool cleaner. By introducing counterweight systems or balanced force generation, the cleaner can maintain stable positioning on vertical and angled wall surfaces, preventing slips and instability while effectively performing cleaning operations to remove algae and scum accumulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the pool cleaner to adapt its positioning, orientation, and force application in real-time while climbing vertical walls. This dynamic responsiveness enables the cleaner to maintain optimal contact with the wall surface, adjust to varying gravitational effects, and preserve stability throughout the cleaning process, thereby improving reliability without compromising cleaning effectiveness.
3Productivity
If pool cleaners follow pre-programmed vertical paths, then the cleaning coverage is systematic, but the cleaners struggle to navigate obstacles mounted on vertical walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines systematic cleaning coverage with dynamic navigation capabilities. The pool cleaner maintains structured cleaning paths while incorporating real-time adaptability to detect and navigate around obstacles mounted on vertical walls. This dynamic approach allows the cleaner to deviate from predetermined paths when necessary, traverse over or around obstacles, and resume systematic cleaning coverage, thereby achieving both thorough cleaning and obstacle navigation versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates feedback mechanisms that enable the pool cleaner to sense its environment, detect obstacles on vertical walls, and adjust its cleaning path accordingly. By continuously monitoring wall conditions and receiving feedback on obstacle locations, the cleaner can modify its trajectory in real-time while maintaining overall systematic cleaning coverage, thus resolving the contradiction between structured cleaning and obstacle adaptability.
4Productivity
If pool cleaners make frequent turns to clean different wall sections, then complete coverage is achieved, but the number of turns increases time consumption and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes non-vertical angled cleaning paths that enable the pool cleaner to cover multiple wall sections in a more direct trajectory. By introducing oblique movement segments, the cleaner can transition between wall areas with fewer turns compared to traditional vertical-path methods. This dimensional change in cleaning pattern maintains complete wall coverage while significantly reducing the time spent on repetitive turning maneuvers, thereby improving overall cleaning efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A pool cleaner (10) for cleaning a pool including a filtering element for filtering fluid; at least one sensor (52) for sensing an actual yaw of the pool cleaner and an actual orientation of the pool cleaner; at least one steering element (41, 42) that is configured to move the pool cleaner along a cleaning path, during a cleaning process of a certain region of a sidewall of the pool; wherein the cleaning path comprises a cleaning path segment that has a cleaning path segment yaw that is a non-vertical yaw; wherein the certain region is fully submerged; and a controller (50) that is configured to control the at least one steering element, based on the actual yaw of the pool cleaner