Pool Cleaning Robot Filter Backwash With Reversible Water Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cleaning robots face a challenge in maintaining reasonable filtering capabilities over extended periods due to the aggregation of foreign particles within the filtering unit, leading to reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pool cleaning robot platform with a filtering unit, entrapment cell, and flow control unit that employs a uni-directional flow control mechanism, allowing for a backwash mode after the cleaning cycle to release trapped dirt into the entrapment cell, using reverse water flow to dislodge particles from the filter mesh and prevent backflow, combined with a smart sensor system for automatic initiation of the backwash process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pool cleaning robot operates continuously to clean the pool, then cleaning productivity increases, but foreign particles aggregate in the filter causing filtering capability to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic backwashing cycles during which the impeller reverses rotation direction to flush accumulated particles from the filter. This periodic maintenance action allows continuous operation while periodically restoring filter performance, resolving the contradiction between sustained productivity and filtering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-cleaning through automatic detection of filter clogging conditions and autonomous initiation of backwashing cycles. The sensor system monitors filter status and triggers the reversal mechanism without external intervention, enabling the robot to maintain its own filtering capability while continuing operation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the filter operates continuously without maintenance, then cleaning duration increases, but particle aggregation reduces filtering efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends operational duration by implementing periodic backwashing cycles that restore filter efficiency. The impeller periodically reverses rotation to flush accumulated particles, allowing the robot to maintain filtering capability throughout extended operation periods without external maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system continuously monitors filter clogging conditions and provides feedback to the control system. When clogging thresholds are detected, the system automatically initiates backwashing cycles, creating a closed-loop control that maintains filtering efficiency throughout extended operational periods.
3Reliability
If a backwash system is added to clean the filter, then filtering capability is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backwash system utilizes the existing impeller by reversing its rotation direction rather than adding a separate pumping mechanism. This inversion approach enables filter cleaning functionality while minimizing additional components, as the same motor and impeller serve both normal operation and backwashing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller and motor assembly serve dual functions: normal forward rotation for pool cleaning operation and reverse rotation for filter backwashing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate backwashing pumps or valves, maintaining filtering capability while avoiding significant increases in device complexity.
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 effectively maintains filtering efficiency by periodically cleaning the filter, reducing clogging, and ensuring prolonged operational effectiveness of the pool cleaning robot.
Implementation Method 1
employing a uni-directional flow control mechanism, allowing for a backwash mode after the cleaning cycle to release trapped dirt into the entrapment cell, using reverse water flow to dislodge particles from the filter mesh
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~12
AI summary
A pool related platform (1) that includes (i) a drive mechanism for moving the pool related platform; (ii) a housing (2) that has a first fluid opening (11) and a second fluid opening (6); (iii) a filtering unit that comprises a filtering element; (iv) a fluid flow mechanism for inducing a flow of fluid through the filtering unit in a first direction during a filtering process, and for inducing a flow of the fluid through the filtering element at another direction during a backwash process; (v) an entrapment cell (21); and (vi) a flow control unit that comprises a flow control element (31, 32, 33, 34) and an inlet that is maintained open during the filtering process and the backwash process.