Submerged Pool Filter Backwash Valve and Drain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing submerged filtration devices for swimming pools and ponds require manual extraction and cleaning, which is inconvenient and can lead to particles being redeposited into the water during counter-current cleaning methods.

Innovation Solution

A submerged filtration system with a cylindrical filtration bowl, valve module, and drain pipe that allows for counter-current backwashing without redepositing particles into the water, using a valve module to block backflow and a drain pipe to evacuate clogged water, along with a pumping device capable of selective water circulation for filtration and backwashing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If counter-current water circulation cleaning is applied to submerged filtration devices, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but particles are rejected into the pool water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidparticle rejection into pool water
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the water flow paths by introducing a drain pipe that diverts the counter-current washing water away from the pool basin. This creates separate pathways: one for filtration (through the filter element) and one for waste evacuation (through the drain pipe), preventing contaminated water from re-entering the pool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drain pipe acts as an intermediary component that intercepts the counter-current washing water before it can reject particles into the pool. It serves as a mediator between the cleaning process and the pool water, channeling the contaminated water to a separate discharge location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual extraction and cleaning of the filter is required, then cleaning can be performed, but maintenance convenience deteriorates and particles may be redeposited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance convenienceVSAvoidparticle redeposition
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service cleaning through automated backwashing. The pump and valve system automatically circulate water in reverse through the filter element, cleaning it in place without requiring manual extraction. The filter cleans itself while remaining submerged in the pool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary cleaning action by continuously or periodically backwashing the filter element before it becomes fully clogged. This prevents particle accumulation and redeposition, maintaining filtration efficiency without interrupting pool operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the filter is cleaned by extraction from the basin, then cleaning is possible, but device complexity and maintenance time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning feasibilityVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter performs self-cleaning through the backwashing mechanism, eliminating the need for manual extraction and cleaning operations. The system automatically reverses water flow through the filter element, removing accumulated particles without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning action is made continuous or periodically recurring through automated pump operation. Instead of intermittent manual cleaning, the system maintains continuous filtration with periodic self-cleaning cycles, eliminating downtime and maintenance interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Enables effective cleaning of the filtration device without redepositing particles into the pool or pond, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring clean water circulation, while preventing backwashing water from entering the basin.

Implementation Method 1

a pump which ensures the circulation of the water, by suction, in the filter, and its discharge into the basin after filtration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

A valve module, secured to the first end of the filtration bowl, to block the backflow of water through the first end, during backwashing of the filtration bowl

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve: Valve

Implementation Method 3

A drain pipe, in communication with the filtration bowl, to evacuate the water from the filtration bowl during backwashing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

a filter, for example made of fabric, immersed in the water of the basin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3717094B1Immerged swimming pool filtration device
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 PISCINES DESJOYAUX
  • EP3717094B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3717094B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4a
  • EP3717094B1 patent drawingFigure 4b~5(b)

AI summary

The invention concerns an immersed device (100) for filtering the water of a pool, comprising a filtration bowl (10), which has a first end (11) for receiving the water to be filtered from the pool and a second end intended to be connected to a first filtered-water outlet duct. The device also comprises: • a valve module (30), rigidly attached to the first end (11) of the filtration bowl (10), in order to block the return of water through the first end (11) during a backwashing of the filtration bowl (10); • a drainage duct (40), communicating with the filtration bottle (10), in order to evacuate the water from the filtration bowl (10) during the backwashing.