Pool Cleaning Robot Impeller Backwash Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cleaning apparatuses face a challenge in maintaining efficient filtering capabilities over long periods due to particle aggregation, which reduces their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A pool cleaning robot with a filter system that includes a first and second impeller, a pump motor, and a controller to operate in multiple modes, allowing for efficient filtering and backwashing operations, with a spiral path for fluid flow and an entrapment cell to manage large particles, reducing clogging and dirt exit during backwashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the pool cleaning apparatus operates continuously for long periods, then cleaning coverage increases, but filtering capability deteriorates due to particle aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic backwashing operations at predetermined intervals during continuous pool cleaning. The controller automatically initiates backwash cycles where the impeller reverses rotation to flush accumulated particles from the filter, then returns to normal forward rotation. This periodic reversal maintains filtering capability over extended operation periods by preventing particle aggregation clogging.
2Reliability
If backwash operation is performed frequently, then filter capability is maintained, but cleaning productivity decreases due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs brief backwash operations at predetermined intervals rather than continuous backwashing. Each backwash cycle is limited in duration, just enough to flush accumulated particles, then the system returns to normal cleaning mode. This partial action approach maintains filter capability while minimizing interruption to cleaning productivity.
3Reliability
If the impeller rotates in reverse direction for backwash, then filter cleaning is achieved, but fluid flow control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same impeller for both forward rotation during normal cleaning and reverse rotation during backwash operations. The impeller structure remains unchanged, but its rotation direction is controlled by the controller to achieve different functions. This multi-functionality approach simplifies the overall system by avoiding separate mechanisms for cleaning and backwashing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the impeller rotation direction based on operational mode. The controller monitors cleaning progress and automatically reverses impeller rotation when backwash is required, then returns to forward rotation. This dynamic control allows a single impeller to perform multiple functions without requiring complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
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 solution maintains reasonable filtering capabilities over extended periods by efficiently managing particle aggregation and reducing dirt exit during backwashing, ensuring continuous and effective pool cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump motor arranged to rotate the first impeller; wherein when the first pump motor rotates the first impeller rotates along a first rotational direction causes fluid to be drawn through the first inlet
Implementation Method 2
causes a first portion of the fluid to be filtered by the filter to provide filtered fluid
Implementation Method 3
when the first pump motor rotates the first impeller rotates along a second rotational direction that may be opposite to the first rotational direction, thereby performing a backwash operation of the filter
Implementation Method 4
wherein the filter and the structural element define a first space that has a spiral portion; wherein when the first pump motor rotates the first impeller along the first rotational direction the fluid follows a spiral path within the first space during which the first portion of the fluid may be filtered by the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A pool cleaning robot, that may include a filter; a first impeller; a driving unit arranged to move the pool cleaning robot; an external housing that comprises a first inlet and a first outlet; a first pump motor arranged to rotate the first impeller; wherein when the first pump motor rotates the first impeller rotates along a first rotational direction causes fluid to be drawn through the first inlet and causes a first portion of the fluid to be filtered by the filter to provide filtered fluid that exits through the first outlet of the housing; wherein when the first pump motor rotates the first impeller rotates along a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction, thereby performing a backwash operation of the filter.