Pool Robot Filter Backwash Using Reversible Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool cleaning robots experience reduced filtering capabilities over time due to foreign particles aggregating in the main filtering unit, necessitating an efficient solution to maintain filtering effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A pool cleaning robot system with a filtering unit, entrapment cell, and flow control unit that allows for a backwash mode to dislodge trapped particles, using a reversible water flow to clean the filter without movable parts, ensuring durability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pool cleaning robot operates continuously to clean the pool, then productivity increases, but foreign particles aggregate in the filtering unit reducing filtering capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic backwashing cycles during which the impeller rotates in reverse to flush accumulated particles from the filter. This periodic reversal maintains filtering capability without requiring continuous operation interruption, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability by enabling the filter to handle extended cleaning cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot performs self-cleaning through automated backwashing controlled by a timer or pressure sensor. The system monitors filter loading and automatically initiates reverse rotation to discharge accumulated particles, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining continuous operational capability.
2Reliability
If a traditional backwash system with movable parts is used, then filtering capability is maintained, but device complexity and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes all movable components from the backwash system by utilizing the existing impeller's bidirectional rotation capability. Instead of adding separate valves, actuators, or mechanical switches, the system extracts the backwash function from a complex mechanical system and implements it through simple reverse rotation controlled by an electronic timer or sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical backwash systems with movable parts with an electronically controlled reverse rotation system. The impeller's rotation direction is switched using electronic controls based on timer signals or pressure sensor input, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining backwash functionality.
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 system effectively maintains filtering capability by periodically cleaning the filter, reducing maintenance needs and extending the robot's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flow control unit that includes a flow control element and an inlet that is maintained open during filtering and backwash
Implementation Method 2
A pool cleaning robot system with a filtering unit, entrapment cell, and flow control unit that allows for a backwash mode to dislodge trapped particles, using a reversible water flow to clean the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A pool related platform that may include (i) a drive mechanism for moving the pool related platform; (ii) a housing that has a first fluid opening and a second fluid opening; (iii) a filtering unit that comprises a filtering element; (iv) a fluid flow mechanism for inducing a flow of fluid through the filtering unit in a first direction during a filtering process, and for inducing a flow of the fluid through the filtering element at another direction during a backwash process; (v) an entrapment cell; and (vi) a flow control unit that comprises a flow control element and an inlet that is maintained open during the filtering process and the backwash process; wherein the flow control unit is configured to allow debris and fluid from the filtering unit to enter the entrapment cell, and is configured to substantially prevent a flow of fluid and debris from the entrapment cell to the filtering unit.