Pool Hose Air Evacuation Module Using Impeller-Driven Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air in the pool hose disrupts the suction power of automated suction pool cleaners, leading to inefficient cleaning, potential damage to the pump due to cavitation, and irregular cleaner movement, as manual air purging is cumbersome and often incomplete.
Innovation Solution
A hose air evacuation module with a valve system and impellers that automatically removes air from the pool hose by using the water flow to drive impellers and gear mechanisms, ensuring all air is evacuated before allowing water to flow through, thus maintaining suction power and preventing cavitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual air purging is performed by holding the hose over a return connection, then air can be removed from the hose, but the process is awkward and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs air removal automatically during the priming phase before normal operation begins. The valve remains closed during this preliminary phase, directing all water flow through the impeller to evacuate air from the hose and cleaner before the cleaner starts operating, eliminating the need for manual pre-purging
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own water flow and impeller mechanism to automatically remove air from the hose and cleaner. The impeller-driven flow through the hose during the closed valve phase creates self-service air evacuation without requiring external manual intervention or separate purging equipment
2Reliability
If manual air purging is performed, then some air can be removed from the hose, but the process is often incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically directs water flow through the hose via the impeller when the valve is closed, creating sufficient velocity and pressure to completely evacuate air from the entire hose length and cleaner. This self-service mechanism ensures complete air removal without requiring the user to perform awkward manual actions
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts air from the hose and cleaner by directing water flow through them during the closed valve phase. The secondary discharge port and impeller-driven flow specifically target and extract trapped air pockets from the hose and cleaner before normal operation begins
3Productivity
If air remains in the pool hose, then suction power is lost and cleaning efficiency decreases, but removing air manually is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Air removal is performed as a preliminary action during the priming phase before the cleaner begins cleaning operations. The valve closes during this phase to direct all water flow through the impeller and hose, ensuring complete air evacuation before the cleaner starts working, thereby maximizing cleaning efficiency from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically removes air from the hose and cleaner using its own water flow and impeller mechanism during the closed valve phase. This self-service air evacuation ensures the hose is completely primed and ready for efficient cleaning operations without requiring manual intervention
4Reliability
If air enters the pool pump, then cavitation occurs causing vibrations and potential damage, but manual prevention is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary air evacuation from the hose and cleaner before water enters the pump during normal operation. The closed valve phase directs all water flow through the impeller to completely prime the system, preventing air from reaching the pump and causing cavitation before cleaning begins
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller-driven water flow automatically and completely evacuates air from the entire suction side of the system during the closed valve phase. This self-service priming action ensures the pump receives only water during normal operation, protecting it from cavitation damage without requiring manual air removal
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 module ensures efficient air evacuation, maintaining suction power and preventing cavitation, resulting in effective cleaning and prolonged pump lifespan by automating the air removal process, making it easier and more reliable than manual methods.
Implementation Method 1
a primary impeller mounted within the primary conduit and configured to be driven by a pool water flow through the primary conduit when the valve is in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
A secondary gear is coupled to the secondary impeller and configured to be driven by the primary gear to rotate the secondary impeller to remove air from the pool hose and pool cleaner
Implementation Method 3
a valve positioned within the main conduit configured to move between a closed position and an open position to selectively block and allow flow therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A pool hose air evacuation module includes a cover having an upstream connector, and a downstream connector. The cover includes a primary inlet port proximate the upstream connector and a secondary discharge port proximate the downstream connector. The module includes a main conduit, a primary conduit in fluid communication with the primary inlet port and the downstream connector, and a primary impeller mounted within the primary conduit that is configured to be driven by a pool water flow through the primary conduit when the valve is in a closed position. The module also includes a secondary conduit in fluid communication with the upstream conduit and the secondary discharge port, and a secondary impeller is mounted within the secondary conduit that is configured to be driven by the primary impeller to remove air from the pool hose.