L-Shaped Pool Intake Filter Cover with Mesh Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-ground pools face issues with debris accumulation in the intake filter basket of skimmers, leading to pump blockages and overheating, which is costly and inefficient to manage.
Innovation Solution
A swimming pool intake filter cover device with a L-shaped body, comprising 90-degree elbows, vertical and horizontal frame members, and a mesh screen, designed to be placed near the pool and secured in front of the intake filter opening to prevent debris from entering, using weights and fasteners for stability and aesthetics that mimic the surrounding surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a skimmer intake filter opening is used to allow water flow, then water can be filtered through the pump, but debris accumulates in the intake basket and opening causing pump blockages and overheating
Solution Approach 1:
A cover device with mesh screen acts as an intermediary barrier between the environment and the intake filter opening. The mesh screen allows water to pass through while blocking debris, serving as a mediator that protects the intake basket from contamination without interfering with normal water flow to the pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover device is installed in advance on the intake filter opening to prevent debris from entering the basket before accumulation occurs. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for frequent manual cleaning operations and prevents pump blockages before they can occur.
2Reliability
If the intake filter basket is cleaned frequently to prevent blockages, then pump reliability is maintained, but user burden and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cover device with mesh screen provides self-protecting functionality by continuously blocking debris from entering the intake basket without requiring user intervention. The device serves itself by maintaining protection through its physical barrier structure, eliminating the need for frequent manual cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is installed beforehand to prevent debris accumulation before it becomes a problem. This preliminary protective measure eliminates the need for frequent cleaning operations, significantly reducing user time burden while maintaining pump reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover device is installed on the intake filter opening to block debris, then debris accumulation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover device is segmented into distinct components including the cover body, mesh screen, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easy installation, removal, and maintenance of individual parts without affecting the entire skimmer assembly, thereby managing complexity while providing effective debris blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh screen serves as a simple intermediary component that adds minimal structural complexity while effectively blocking debris. The cover device integrates this simple barrier element with the existing skimmer opening, providing protection without significantly complicating the overall assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a swimming pool intake filter cover device that is primarily comprised of a generally L-shaped body further comprised of at least one 90-degree elbow, at least one vertical frame member, at least one horizontal frame member, and at least one screen. The body of the device can be placed on a ground surface near a pool and a portion of the body can be placed within the pool in front of the intake filter opening of the skimmer. The portion of the body in front of the filter opening is further comprised of a screen that covers the front and sides of the opening, to prevent debris from entering into the opening. In differing embodiments, the body may be weighted to prevent movement of the body.