Pool cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool brooms are ineffective for cleaning modern pool surfaces with complex contours, often causing damage and requiring excessive effort, as they are difficult to maneuver and cannot effectively clean irregular surfaces without using multiple brushes or leaving areas inadequately cleaned.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a hinged base member and microfiber cloth that can be easily maneuvered in submerged environments, featuring a socket for a pole attachment and apertures for fluid passage, allowing the cloth to be securely fastened and rotated for effective cleaning of curved surfaces without damaging the pool lining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional nylon brush brooms are used for cleaning pool surfaces, then cleaning coverage area is improved, but the risk of surface damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the cleaning element from rigid nylon bristles to flexible microfiber material. This parameter change allows the cleaning surface to conform to pool contours while maintaining gentle contact that prevents surface damage, resolving the contradiction between cleaning coverage and surface protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible microfiber cloth that can adapt to curved and irregular pool surfaces. This flexible cleaning element maintains continuous contact with the surface for effective cleaning while its compliance prevents the rigid scratching issues associated with traditional bristle brushes.
2Productivity
If rigidly attached wide brushes are used for cleaning, then cleaning efficiency on flat surfaces is improved, but maneuverability in corners and on contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a rigidly attached brush to a dynamically adaptable microfiber cloth that can change its configuration. The flexible cloth naturally conforms to corners, walls, steps, and contours as the user maneuvers it, providing both wide coverage on flat surfaces and effective cleaning in difficult-to-reach areas without compromising maneuverability.
3Reliability
If multiple brushes of different configurations are used to clean all pool surfaces, then cleaning completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cleaning device where a single microfiber cloth-based broom can effectively clean all types of pool surfaces including flat walls, corners, steps, and contours. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for multiple specialized brushes, reducing device complexity while maintaining cleaning completeness across diverse pool geometries.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional brushes are used on curved surfaces, then cleaning capability on irregular surfaces is improved, but contact effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible microfiber cloth that can wrap around and conform to curved surfaces, maintaining effective contact pressure. Unlike rigid bristles that lose contact on contours, the flexible cloth adapts its shape to match the surface geometry, ensuring consistent cleaning effectiveness on curved walls, rounded corners, and contoured pool features.
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 device allows for efficient and gentle cleaning of fibreglass pool surfaces, reducing the risk of damage and dispersal of contaminants, while being easy to use and maintain, with microfiber tufts effectively trapping dirt and preventing algae growth.
Implementation Method 1
microfiber tufts effectively trapping dirt
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cleaning a swimming pool comprising a base member. The base member having a first base portion and a second base portion. A socket disposed on the base member, and the first base portion the and second base portion each respectively having a hinge end and a distal end. The second base portion hinge end is attached to the first base portion hinge end forming a hinge of the base member. A microfibre cloth removably mountable to the base member; and wherein the second base portion is configured to move between a first position and a second position, in which the first position is an operating position and the second position is a cloth removal position.