Pool Cleaning Adapter 6-Port to 5-Port Valve Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-floor pool cleaning systems with 5 port valves are not compatible with 6 port valves, limiting their adaptability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An adapter is designed to couple a 6 port valve to a 5 port in-floor pool cleaning system, featuring a base member with six upper ports and five lower ports, where four lower ports are in fluid communication with four upper ports and one lower port is in communication with two upper ports, allowing water distribution and nozzle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 5 port in-floor pool cleaning system is used, then the system is simple and compatible with 5 port valves, but it cannot be used with 6 port valves, limiting adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that couples between the 6-port valve and the 5-port in-floor pool cleaning system. The adapter has six upper ports that receive water supply from the 6-port valve and five lower ports that connect to the 5-port cleaning system, with internal fluid passages that redirect water flow to enable compatibility between the two different port configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter is introduced to enable 6 port valve compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple port configurations. It features six upper ports that can accommodate different valve types and five lower ports that connect to the standard 5-port cleaning system, with internal fluid passages that can redirect water flow to any of the five lower ports based on which upper port receives water, making it universally compatible.
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
Enables the use of a 6 port valve with a 5 port in-floor pool cleaning system, enhancing adaptability and cleaning efficiency by ensuring proper water flow and nozzle operation, particularly in areas requiring additional cleaning like deeper pool ends with more debris.
Implementation Method 1
the aperture of each upper port is in fluid communication with at least one aperture of the lower ports
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for a pool cleaning system is provided. The adapter includes a base member having a top and a bottom surface. The adapter also includes six upper ports coupled to the top surface of the base member, each upper port including an upper aperture extending through the upper port and through the base member. The adapter further includes five lower ports coupled to the bottom surface of the base member, each lower port including a lower aperture extending through the lower port and through the base member. In some embodiments, four of lower ports are in fluid communication four of the upper ports and one of the lower ports is in fluid communication with two of the upper ports.