Accessory Pool Filtration with Strainer Basket to Prevent Clogs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pool filtration systems are susceptible to clogging due to larger debris, which reduces their reliability and efficiency, and current methods like hand skimmers and suction hoses either fail to effectively prevent clogging or risk damaging the pump and filter.

Innovation Solution

An accessory filtration system with a bucket-shaped body and strainer basket mounted to the pool deck, using the pool's pump suction to draw water through an inlet hose, trap larger debris in the basket, and discharge filtered water into the main filtration system, thereby preventing clogging and protecting the pump.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a hand skimmer is used to remove surface debris, then debris removal effectiveness is improved, but operational convenience deteriorates due to the need to manually empty the net repeatedly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal effectivenessVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration system automatically captures and retains debris in the strainer basket without requiring manual intervention to empty it. The system serves itself by continuously filtering water through the basket, which accumulates debris until the filter needs maintenance, eliminating the repetitive manual emptying action required by hand skimmers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The strainer basket acts as an intermediary device between the pool water and the pump system. It captures debris before it can reach the pump, serving as a protective mediator that prevents larger particles from clogging the main filtration system while allowing continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If suction hoses are used to direct debris removal, then targeted debris collection is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to easy clogging and pump damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeted debris collectionVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The strainer basket performs preliminary filtration of debris before water enters the pump system. By capturing larger particles in advance, the system prevents potential clogging and damage to the pump, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining the ability to target specific debris areas using the flexible hose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The strainer basket provides beforehand protection by cushioning the pump system against debris impacts. It acts as a protective barrier that traps harmful particles before they can reach vulnerable components, preventing damage before it occurs rather than reacting to problems after they arise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the skimmer basket is removed to insert suction hose directly into filter system, then debris targeting capability is improved, but filter system reliability worsens due to increased clogging susceptibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris targeting capabilityVSAvoidfilter system reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of the skimmer basket and suction hose system into a single integrated accessory filter unit. The strainer basket is positioned at the inlet of the suction hose, combining debris capture with targeted suction capability, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without compromising either adaptability or reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 accessory filtration system enhances the reliability and efficiency of the pool's primary filtration system by preventing larger debris from entering the main filter, reducing clogs, and protecting the pump from damage.

Implementation Method 1

uses the suction created by the pool filtration system's pump to draw water through the intake hose and pass it through the strainer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The apparatus uses the suction created by the pool filtration system's pump to draw water through the intake hose and pass it through the strainer before it continues through the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12553250B2Accessory filtration system for swimming pools

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 WOOTEN JIMMIE NATHAN

AI summary

An accessory pool filter system prevents larger debris from entering the pool's primary filter and potentially interfering with its operation. The system includes a bucket-shaped body with an inlet near the top, a straining basket inside, and an outlet near the bottom. The inlet is connected to an intake hose, and the outlet is connected to an outlet hose, which in turn connects to the pool's main filtration system. The apparatus uses the suction created by the pool filtration system's pump to draw water through the intake hose and pass it through the strainer before it continues on through the inlet to the pool's main filtration system. As the water passes through the system, larger debris is trapped in the basket, thereby preventing it from clogging up the lines of the pool's main filtration system.