Removable Pool Robot Filter for Underwater Self-Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool cleaning robots require frequent manual maintenance, such as filter cleaning and charging, which is time-consuming and often neglected by users, leading to sub-optimal operation.
Innovation Solution
The pool cleaning robot is designed for autonomous operation with contactless underwater charging and filter replacement, utilizing a turbine to harness pool water flow for energy and an underwater station for filter manipulation, enabling self-sustaining operation without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual filter cleaning is required, then the robot can operate with a simple filter design, but user time and effort are consumed and maintenance is often delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs self-maintenance by automatically removing and cleaning its own filter using pool water flow, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The filter is automatically ejected from the housing and cleaned by the water flow passing through it.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is designed as a removable component that can be easily extracted from the housing for cleaning. The automatic ejection mechanism takes the filter out of the housing so it can be cleaned by the water flow without manual handling.
2Productivity
If the robot requires frequent manual maintenance, then the device structure can be simple, but operational efficiency decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomously performs maintenance tasks by automatically ejecting the filter and using pool water flow to clean it, maintaining high productivity without requiring complex external maintenance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot uses hydraulic principles by utilizing the existing pool water flow to clean the filter automatically. The water flow passes through the ejected filter to clean it, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If contactless charging is implemented, then the robot achieves autonomous operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot achieves autonomous operation by automatically returning to the charging station and performing contactless charging, eliminating the need for manual plugging and unplugging of power cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot replaces mechanical cable connection with contactless charging technology, likely using electromagnetic induction or wireless power transfer, to simplify the charging interface while maintaining autonomous operation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a turbine is used for energy harvesting, then the robot can operate without external power cables, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot uses a turbine driven by pool water flow to generate electrical energy, converting hydraulic energy into electrical energy to power the robot's operations and charging system.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot replaces external electrical power delivery with an internal turbine-based energy harvesting system that converts water flow energy into electrical energy for autonomous 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
Facilitates efficient and automated maintenance, reducing user effort and ensuring optimal performance by allowing the robot to charge and clean its filters underwater, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine that is rotated by a flow of fluid induced by a pool fluid circulation system
Implementation Method 2
an electrical generator that is arranged to provide electrical power to the power source when the turbine is rotated
Implementation Method 3
a filter manipulator that is arranged to eject a filter from the pool cleaning robot
Data Source
AI summary
A pool cleaning robot that may include a drive motor; an impeller; an impeller motor that is configured to rotate the impeller; wherein the impeller, once rotated at a first rotational direction, is configured to induce fluid to flow through the pool cleaning robot; a filter for filtering fluid that flows through the pool cleaning robot; and wherein the filter (a) is detachably coupled to one or more elements of the pool cleaning robot; and (b) is configured to exit the pool cleaning robot from a first side of the pool cleaning robot.