Pool Leak Detection Housing for Resilient Underwater Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple and easy-to-use leak detection system for swimming pools that can effectively identify leaks in various components such as drains, lights, skimmers, and pipes without requiring complex setups or extensive user knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection device comprising a housing, a resilient member, an anchoring attachment, and a tube with a threaded fitting, which forms a seal around the underwater surface and allows for the injection of dye to detect leaks visually or using a flow meter, adaptable for different pool components like drains, lights, and pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex leak detection system is used, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically inflates the inflatable member when dropped into water, eliminating the need for manual inflation. The system self-activates by detecting water contact and automatically deploys the sealing mechanism without requiring user intervention or complex setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dye injection to create visible color changes in the water that indicate leak presence. The dye flows visibly through the housing and can be detected from the surface, providing clear visual feedback about leak location and severity without requiring complex instrumentation.
2Ease of operation
If a simple leak detection device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a curved lower surface that conforms to the pool floor or component surface. This curved geometry ensures proper sealing contact and reliable detection across different installation locations and surface conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses an inflatable member that can be inflated to create a flexible seal against various pool components. This flexible sealing mechanism adapts to different surface contours and provides reliable sealing without requiring rigid, complex sealing structures.
3Measurement precision
If a specialized leak detection device is used, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to test multiple pool components including drains, lights, skimmers, and pipes using the same basic housing and inflatable member. The universal design allows one device to perform multiple leak detection functions without requiring component-specific equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the essential leak detection function into a simple housing with dye injection capability, separating the detection mechanism from complex sealing and inflation systems. This allows the core detection function to be performed with minimal components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an inflatable member is used for sealing, then adaptability to different components is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a simple inflatable member that can be inflated using air or water pressure. This pneumatic/hydraulic inflation mechanism provides reliable sealing against different pool components without requiring complex mechanical adjustment or multiple sealing elements.
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 device provides a straightforward method for pool attendants to identify leaks by observing dye flow or using a flow meter, ensuring effective leak detection without needing extensive user training or complex equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member adapted to contact and form a seal between the housing and the underwater surface
Implementation Method 2
The inflatable plug may have an uninflated outer perimeter smaller than an inner perimeter of a pipe of the fluid filled vessel and an inflated outer perimeter at least equal to the inner perimeter of the pipe of the fluid filled vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A leak detecting device for a fluid filled vessel including (1) a housing having a continuous perimeter edge sized to extend around an underwater surface; (2) a tube extending through an aperture of the housing, having a first end on an first side of the housing and a second end on a second side of the housing; (3) an anchoring attachment secured to the first end of the tube; (4) a resilient member secured to the perimeter edge of the housing and adapted to contact and form a seal between the housing and the underwater surface; and (5) an opening through an entirety of a wall of the housing, wherein the opening is accessible from the second side of the housing.