Pool cleaning robot having a filtering unit and a sensor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the clogging status of a pool cleaning robot's filtering unit rely on manual visual inspection or indirect indicators like reduced pumping force, lacking real-time and accurate monitoring of filter cleanliness.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating calorimetric sensors and accelerometers within the pool cleaning robot to detect fluid flow and vibrations, which provide real-time data on filter cleanliness by measuring temperature differences and noise frequencies, enabling precise determination of clogging levels and automating filter maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual visual inspection or indirect indicators are used to determine filter clogging status, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of filter status monitoring deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidfilter status monitoring accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection and indirect mechanical indicators with electronic sensors (calorimetric sensors, accelerometers, vibration sensors) that automatically detect fluid flow characteristics and filter clogging status, transforming a manual/mechanical monitoring system into an automated electronic sensing system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensor intermediaries (calorimetric sensors, accelerometers, vibration sensors) that indirectly measure filter clogging status by detecting changes in fluid flow, temperature differences, and vibration patterns, providing accurate monitoring without direct contact with the filter element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If manual visual inspection is used to monitor filter status, then loss of time for real-time monitoring is reduced, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate due to delayed detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for manual inspectionVSAvoidpool cleaning operational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous automated monitoring using sensors that constantly detect fluid flow and vibration characteristics, eliminating intermittent manual inspections and providing uninterrupted real-time feedback on filter status to maintain optimal cleaning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor filter clogging status and provide real-time information to the control system, enabling timely maintenance decisions and preventing productivity loss from undetected filter degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If indirect indicators like reduced pumping force are used to detect filter clogging, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability of clogging detection deteriorates due to lagging and inaccurate signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidclogging indication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces indirect mechanical indicators (pumping force reduction) with direct electronic sensing methods (calorimetric sensors, accelerometers, vibration sensors) that provide immediate and accurate detection of filter clogging status through fluid flow and structural vibration measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables early detection of filter clogging by using sensitive sensors to identify changes in fluid flow characteristics and vibration patterns before significant performance degradation occurs, allowing preventive maintenance before reliability is compromised

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 offers real-time, accurate monitoring of filter cleanliness, reducing manual inspections and enabling timely maintenance, thus improving the efficiency and effectiveness of pool cleaning operations.

Implementation Method 1

one or more calorimetric sensors for sensing the flow of fluid (or the lack of flow of fluid) within the pool cleaning robot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

one or more accelerometers for sensing vibrations (noise frequencies) within the pool cleaning robot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10458139B2Pool cleaning robot having a filtering unit and a sensor

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 MAYTRONICS LTD

AI summary

A pool cleaning robot that may include a filtering unit for filtering fluid that passes through the filtering unit; a calorimetric sensor for sensing a cleanliness related parameter of the filtering unit while the pool cleaning robot is submerged in the fluid; and a controller that is configured to at least assist in determining, based on the cleanliness related parameter of the filtering unit, a cleanliness of the filtering unit.