Swimming Pool Net Spring-Strike Debris Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Swimming pool nets often retain smaller debris and wet leaves, requiring multiple pool entries for removal, as existing methods like shaking and tapping are inefficient for complete debris discharge.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a telescoping handle with a spring or bias means that, when manually pulled and released, strikes the mesh to dislodge adhering debris, or using a silicone-coated mesh to reduce clinging, allowing for efficient debris removal without adding significant cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the net is shaken and tapped to remove debris, then large objects will fall from the net, but smaller objects and wet leaves will remain adhered to the net

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidcomplete debris discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration by incorporating a spring-loaded mechanism that vibrates the net frame when activated. This vibration disrupts the adhesion between small debris particles and the mesh, enabling complete debris discharge that cannot be achieved through simple shaking or tapping alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the net by introducing a spring mechanism that transforms the net from a static structure to one capable of dynamic vibration. This parameter change enables the net to transition between resting and vibrating states, optimizing debris removal at different stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the net is used multiple times to remove remaining debris, then complete debris removal can be achieved, but the time and effort required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete debris dischargeVSAvoidrepeated pool entries
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by equipping the net with a spring-loaded vibration mechanism that is activated before the net is returned to the pool. This preliminary vibration action ensures that all debris is removed in advance, preventing the need for repeated pool entries and eliminating time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism serves itself by automatically vibrating the net when activated, requiring no additional manual intervention beyond pulling the spring. This self-service capability ensures complete debris removal without requiring the user to perform multiple separate cleaning actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a spring or bias means is added to the net structure, then debris removal efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidframe structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the spring mechanism into modular components that can be independently attached to the net frame. The spring can be secured at selected positions using separate mounting brackets or clips, allowing the vibration function to be added without redesigning the entire frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by concentrating the spring mechanism at specific locations on the net frame where it provides maximum vibration effect. Rather than complicating the entire frame, the spring is localized to key positions that optimize debris dislodgment while minimizing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enables nearly complete debris removal from the net before returning it to the pool, reducing the need for repeated pool entries and improving the overall efficiency of debris collection and handling.

Implementation Method 1

an elongate spring or other suitable bias means has opposed ends that are secured within the apertures and the length of the bias means is chosen so that it is taut when its opposite ends are so secured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the spring or other suitable bias means is manually pulled away from the plane of the frame and hence away from the mesh by a preselected distance... The spring is then abruptly released, causing the middle section of the spring to travel from a first side of the plane of the frame to a second side of the plane, striking the mesh

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

The mesh can also be completely inverted in order to accomplish debris separation from the net... or using a silicone-coated mesh to reduce clinging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface Tension: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentUS9034181B1Swimming pool net
Publication Date: 2015.05.19 ROBINSON ROBERT NEIL
  • US9034181B1 patent drawing
  • US9034181B1 patent drawing
  • US9034181B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A swimming pool net includes a mesh material and a frame that circumscribes the mesh. Fasteners are positioned in the frame to secure the mesh to the frame. A pair of mounts is formed in the frame in opposed relation to one another. A spring has opposed ends that respectively engage the opposed mounts. The spring is taut when its opposite ends engage the mounts. A middle section of the spring is manually pulled and spaced apart from the mesh by a preselected distance, followed by abrupt release of the spring, causing the middle section to travel from a first side of the frame to a second side, striking the mesh as the spring passes through the plane of the frame and ejecting items away from the mesh. The mounts may be apertures or posts or the ends of the spring may be embedded in the frame.