Autonomous Pool Robot Docking Station for Self-Charging and Filter Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool cleaning robots require frequent manual intervention for maintenance, such as filter cleaning and charging, which is time-consuming and often neglected, leading to sub-optimal operation.
Innovation Solution
An external docking station that allows for contactless charging and automated filter management, including a movable design with a rotating element, contactless charging, and a filter manipulator for inserting and removing filters without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If pool cleaning robots are connected to electrical power cables or suction hoses, then they can operate continuously, but the cables and hoses can get tangled and temporarily limit pool usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power cable and suction hose connections from the pool environment by introducing an underwater docking station. The robot charges and filters autonomously at the docking station, eliminating the need for cables and hoses to extend into the pool, thus resolving the tangling issue while maintaining continuous operation capability.
2Reliability
If the filter of a pool cleaning robot is manually cleaned, then the robot can be maintained, but this is time-consuming and often neglected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the pool cleaning robot to autonomously return to the underwater docking station for filter cleaning and recharging. The robot independently completes maintenance tasks without human intervention, eliminating the time-consuming manual filter cleaning process while ensuring reliable maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station performs preliminary filter cleaning actions automatically when the robot returns. The filter is cleaned in advance during autonomous docking, so the robot is ready for the next cleaning cycle without requiring manual intervention, thus reducing maintenance time and improving reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If users manually take out the robot for filter cleaning, then the filter can be washed, but this operation is time and effort consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically cleaning the filter at the underwater docking station. The robot autonomously returns to the docking station, and the filter is washed without requiring users to manually remove and clean the filter, thus maintaining filter cleaning capability while eliminating user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of removing and washing the filter with an automated underwater cleaning system. The docking station uses water flow to automatically clean the filter while the robot is docked, substituting user mechanical actions with an automated fluid-based cleaning mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the robot operates without regular maintenance, then user effort is reduced, but the robot operates in a sub-optimal manner
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs self-service by autonomously returning to the docking station for filter cleaning and recharging. This maintains high cleaning efficiency through regular automated maintenance while requiring minimal user intervention, as the robot independently manages its own operational health.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through sensors that monitor filter status and battery charge levels. When the filter becomes clogged or battery charge is low, the robot automatically returns to the docking station for maintenance, ensuring optimal operation through continuous monitoring and responsive action without requiring user judgment or intervention.
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
Reduces the need for manual maintenance, enabling autonomous operation of pool cleaning robots by allowing them to self-charge and maintain filters, thereby improving efficiency and reducing user effort.
Implementation Method 1
generate an electromagnetic field during at least one period during which a second contactless charging element of a pool cleaning robot may be within a charging range from the first contactless charging element, and wherein the electromagnetic field charges the second contactless charging element
Data Source
AI summary
An external docking station may be provided and may a filter manipulator that is arranged to (i) input without human intervention, a filter into a pool cleaning robot that exited a pool and is located in a filter replacement position and to (ii) assist without human intervention, in positioning the filter at a position in which the filter is at least partially disposed within a path formed between a first fluid opening and a second fluid opening of a housing of the pool cleaning robot thereby allowing the filter to apply a filtering operation when fluid passes through the fluid path.