Pool Outlet Valve Protrusion to Prevent Suction Entrapment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool water outlets can create a suction force that risks pulling users in, potentially causing injury or drowning due to the design of flat and smooth surfaces that lack sufficient protrusion to prevent body parts from being sucked in during drainage.
Innovation Solution
The pool apparatus incorporates an outlet valve with a protrusion block that protrudes opposite to the drainage direction, creating a safe distance between users and the drainage surface, and includes a filter pump with adjustable draining power and an emergency switch for user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the outlet valve has a flat and smooth drainage surface, then water can be drained efficiently, but users risk being sucked into the outlet due to the suction force
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet valve surface is designed with a protruding portion that curves outward, creating a non-flat surface geometry. This curvature prevents users from being sucked into the outlet by disrupting the direct suction path, while still allowing water to drain efficiently through the curved surface design
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet valve incorporates a protruding portion that extends in the direction opposite to water drainage, adding a dimensional barrier between the drainage surface and users. This protrusion creates a physical separation that blocks suction force from reaching users while maintaining drainage functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the protrusion distance is increased to improve safety, then users are kept at a safer distance, but the drainage surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet valve features a localized protruding portion rather than a uniformly reduced surface. This local modification creates a safety barrier in the critical area where suction force affects users, while preserving the overall drainage surface area for efficient water flow
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion acts as an intermediary barrier between the drainage surface and users. It intercepts and redirects suction force away from users while allowing water to flow around and through the structure, effectively mediating between safety requirements and drainage efficiency
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 design significantly reduces the risk of users being sucked into the outlet by maintaining a safe distance and providing a mechanism to quickly shut off the drainage in case of emergencies, enhancing user safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
there is certain sucking force at the outlets of pools
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A pool apparatus includes a pool body (11,21,151), a water inlet (212), a water outlet (211), and an outlet valve (153,155). The water inlet is used for carrying water into the pool body. The water outlet is used for draining water out of the pool body. The outlet valve covers the water outlet. The outlet valve has a drainage surface for draining water out of the pool body from the drainage surface with a drainage direction. The outlet valve has a protrusion block (43) protruding with a distance opposite to the drainage direction from the drainage surface to decrease the risk that the user may be sucked on the outlet valve.