Pool Pumping Apparatus with Float Assembly and Heat Tape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool pumping devices fail to automatically and efficiently manage water levels in swimming pools during winter, risking damage from excess water freezing in hardware and surfaces, and lack functionality in freezing temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A submersible pool pumping apparatus with a conduit, motorized pump, float assembly, and heat tape that automatically pumps excess water out of the pool when the water level exceeds a predetermined level, incorporating a vacuum breaker to prevent backflow and being capable of operation in freezing temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pool pumping device is used to remove excess water, then water level control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to need for automatic activation and freezing temperature operation
Solution Approach 1:
The float assembly automatically activates the pump when water reaches a predetermined level without requiring external control systems. The float member directly engages the pump activation mechanism, creating a self-regulating water level control system that simplifies overall device complexity while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensors and control systems with a simple mechanical float assembly that directly activates the pump. This mechanical substitution achieves precise water level measurement and control while significantly reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pump operates in freezing temperatures, then winter water level management is improved, but the reliability decreases due to risk of freezing damage to the pump and float assembly
Solution Approach 1:
Heat tape is applied to the float assembly and pump components before freezing conditions occur. This preliminary heating action prevents ice formation on critical components, ensuring the pump and float assembly remain operational and reliable during freezing temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful freezing temperatures into a beneficial operation mode by using the cold temperature as the trigger condition for activating the pump. When freezing conditions cause water levels to rise (due to snow/ice accumulation), the float assembly automatically activates the pump to remove excess water, turning the freezing condition into a self-regulating safety mechanism.
3Productivity
If water is pumped through the conduit, then excess water removal is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential backflow and siphon effects that could damage the pool
Solution Approach 1:
A vacuum breaker is installed in the conduit as an intermediary device between the pump and the pool. This component prevents backflow and siphon effects by breaking vacuum seals that could cause harmful water reversal, allowing efficient water removal while eliminating the harmful backflow effect.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the float assembly is heated with heat tape, then freezing temperature operation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat tape operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when freezing temperatures are detected or anticipated. This periodic heating action provides sufficient protection against freezing while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
Maintains a consistent water level in swimming pools by automatically pumping out excess water, protecting pool surfaces and hardware from freezing damage, while ensuring efficient operation in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a float assembly (40) having a housing (42) that defines an interior space and includes a float member (46) positioned in the interior space
Implementation Method 2
the pump having a motor configured to transfer water from the inlet to the outlet when energized
Implementation Method 3
having heat tape that surrounds the float assembly and emits heat when the temperature air is less than a freezing temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A pool pumping apparatus for maintaining a constant level of water in a swimming pool includes a conduit having a lower end defining an inlet and an outlet that are open, the conduit defining an interior area through which water is channeled between the inlet and outlet. The apparatus includes a pump in fluid communication with the inlet of the conduit, the pump having a motor configured to transfer water from the inlet to the outlet when energized. In addition, a float assembly includes a housing that defines an interior space and includes a float member positioned in the interior space, the float assembly including a cord extending from the float member operable for setting the float member at a selected level. The float member is electrically connected to the pump and configured to energize the pump when the float member is above the selected level.