Safety Vacuum Release System for Pool Pumps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pool pumps often shut down unnecessarily due to false detection of obstructions in the piping system, leading to nuisance tripping, as existing systems lack precise methods to differentiate between actual obstructions and normal flow variations.

Innovation Solution

A safety vacuum release system that includes a pump, a motor, and an on-board controller capable of detecting obstructions based on power consumption measurements, using dynamic and absolute power variation analysis to differentiate between actual blockages and flow changes, thereby reducing unnecessary shutdowns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing obstruction detection systems are used to quickly shut down the pool pump when a foreign object is obstructing the water outlets, then safety is improved, but nuisance tripping increases (pump shuts down too often when there are no actual obstructions)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstruction detection accuracyVSAvoidpump operational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors power consumption parameters of the motor and compares them against dynamically adjusted thresholds. By changing the detection parameter from simple flow interruption to power consumption analysis with adaptive thresholds, the system achieves more accurate obstruction detection that distinguishes between real obstructions and normal flow variations, thereby reducing nuisance tripping while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors motor power consumption and provides feedback to the control logic. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing operating conditions and distinguish between actual obstructions and normal variations in power demand, improving detection accuracy and reducing false shutdowns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If high flow rates are used to effectively filter large pool volumes, then filtration efficiency is improved, but suction force increases causing foreign objects to be trapped against water outlets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration rateVSAvoidsuction force on foreign objects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical obstruction detection (physical blockage sensing) with electrical parameter monitoring (power consumption analysis). This substitution allows for indirect detection of obstruction effects through motor load changes, enabling the system to operate at high flow rates while detecting when suction forces become excessive and cause object trapping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10724263B2Safety vacuum release system

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 DANFOSS POWER ELECTRONICS AS

AI summary

Some embodiments of the invention provide a pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system includes a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, a user interface associated with the pump designed to receive input instructions from a user, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller determines a power parameter associated with the motor and compares the power parameter to a predetermined threshold value. The controller triggers a safety vacuum release system based on the comparison of the power parameter and the threshold value.