Pool Cleaning Attachments With Rigid Locking and Flexible Nets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pool accessories, such as telescopic poles, brushes, nets, and vacuum heads, suffer from insecure attachment systems that lead to wobbling and difficulty in adjusting angles, and existing nets can scratch pool surfaces and fail to capture debris in corners, while deep nets are cumbersome to empty.
Innovation Solution
A locking system with a rectangular-like cross-section pole and toggle arms, along with accessory connecting elements that provide secure, multi-point attachment and adjustable features like pivotable brushes and flexible nets, enhance stability and maneuverability, and a vacuum head design that improves debris pickup and suction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring-loaded plastic clips are used to attach accessories to the pole, then the attachment system is simple and easy to operate, but the connection becomes loose and imprecise causing wobbling
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into multiple connection points (at least two holes positioned apart from each other) instead of relying on a single clip mechanism. This segmentation distributes the attachment forces across multiple locations, providing both simplicity of operation and enhanced connection stability by preventing wobbling through multi-point contact.
2Reliability
If threaded metal screws and nuts are used to secure attachments, then the connection is more secure, but the system takes considerable time to change attachments and can freeze into place due to rust and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic threaded metal screw and nut components are extracted from the attachment system. Instead, the patent uses a simplified hole-and-clip mechanism with at least two holes that provides adequate security without the time-consuming threading operations and corrosion issues associated with traditional fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive plastic clips and holes rather than durable but time-consuming metal fasteners. The plastic components are easily replaceable and do not suffer from rust or corrosion, allowing quick attachment changes without the long-term reliability issues of metal threads.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid frame is used for skimmer nets, then the net structure is stable, but the hard surface prevents effective capture of debris near steps and corners and can scratch pool surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The skimmer net frame incorporates flexible materials that allow the net to conform to curved pool surfaces, steps, and corners. This flexibility enables effective debris capture in hard-to-reach areas while the softer material prevents scratching and damage to pool surfaces, unlike rigid frames.
4Reliability
If the brush head angle is fixed in one position, then the connection is secure, but the user cannot adjust the angle to optimize cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The brush head connection system transitions from a fixed angle to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The multi-point attachment mechanism with at least two holes allows the brush head to be secured firmly while enabling angle adjustment, providing both connection security and adaptability for optimal cleaning in various positions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide new design innovations that significantly improve the performance of the currently-available pool accessories. Each element of the system has unique features that provide benefits in use, although is some instances, maximum benefit is provided when all the elements are used as one cohesive system.