Pool Cleaner Gyration via Offset Rolling Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses for immersed surfaces, such as swimming pool walls, are heavy, costly, and inefficient in terms of energy consumption and cleaning performance, particularly when requiring bi-directional movement and efficient debris collection.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight apparatus with a single electric motor for both driving and pumping, utilizing a non-steering rolling guiding member to generate asymmetrical friction and gyration torque, allowing for multiple trajectory movements without the need for complex hydraulic control systems, and featuring a single reversible electric motor and axial pumping propeller for efficient liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a single electric motor is used for both driving and pumping, then production cost and weight are reduced, but cleaning efficiency and trajectory control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the non-driving rolling member laterally offset from the longitudinal center plane of the apparatus. This asymmetric configuration creates differential friction forces that generate gyration torque, enabling the apparatus to perform curved trajectories and bidirectional movement without requiring additional steering motors or complex hydraulic systems, thus maintaining lightweight design while improving cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The single electric motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the driving force for locomotion and the pumping action for liquid circulation and debris collection. The motor's output shaft is coupled to both the drive wheels and the pumping mechanism, allowing one motor to replace what would traditionally require separate drive and pump motors, reducing overall system weight and complexity
2Device complexity
If bi-directional movement is required with a single motor, then apparatus complexity is reduced, but trajectory control and cleaning coverage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral offset of the non-driving rolling member creates asymmetric friction characteristics that enable the apparatus to generate different movement patterns. When the motor rotates in different directions, the asymmetric friction forces produce gyration torque that allows the apparatus to execute curved trajectories and change directions without requiring separate steering mechanisms for each direction
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses its own pumping-generated liquid flux to provide hydraulic reaction forces that assist in self-steering and trajectory control. The reaction force from the pumped liquid, combined with the asymmetric friction from the offset rolling member, enables the apparatus to autonomously perform bidirectional movement and curved trajectories without external control systems
3Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulic reaction from pumping flux is used for driving, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex hydraulic control systems, articulated valves, and locking mechanisms from traditional designs. Instead of using controllable hydraulic flux redirection for steering, the invention relies on the passive hydraulic reaction force from the pumping action combined with the fixed asymmetric friction from the offset rolling member, significantly improving reliability by removing failure-prone control components
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 apparatus achieves efficient and rapid cleaning of immersed surfaces with improved energy efficiency, reduced production costs, and enhanced suction quality, while maintaining high performance and simplicity in design and operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one non-steering non-driving rolling guiding member which is freely rotatable about a transverse axis orthogonal with respect to said instantaneous drive orientation... arranged relative to said instantaneous drive orientation so as to apply a gyration torque of the apparatus which is only due to such an arrangement
Implementation Method 2
at least one electric motor which is carried by said hollow body and which comprises a drive shaft which is mechanically connected to at least one guiding and driving member
Implementation Method 3
an axial pumping propeller with a unidirectional pitch which creates a flux of liquid which is generally orientated along a rotation axis thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid, comprising a hollow body, members which are integral with the hollow body and which come into contact with the immersed surface, a filtration chamber, at least one electric motor which is carried by the hollow body, and a control unit which is configured to control the motor. For at least one movement configuration of the apparatus, at least one non-steering non-driving rolling member in contact with the immersed surface is arranged relative to the instantaneous drive orientation so as to apply a gyration torque of the apparatus only due to such an arrangement.