Swimming Pool Robot With Hydrodynamic Thrust for Volume Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cleaning robots are inefficient in treating the entire volume of water, as they are limited to cleaning only the immediate proximity of the pool bottom or walls, leading to aesthetic and health issues due to unfiltered water in larger pools.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled robot with a main body, multiple rotors, and a control unit that generates a three-dimensional hydrodynamic thrust, allowing it to move freely within the entire pool volume, equipped with cleaning means and sensors for efficient debris removal and water filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the robot uses wheels and rotors to slide on the bottom or walls of the pool, then the robot can move along the pool surfaces, but the robot cannot efficiently treat the entire volume of water in the pool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the robot from two-dimensional surface movement (along bottom or walls) to three-dimensional volume movement by introducing a propulsion system that enables movement through the water column. The robot can now operate at different depths and horizontal positions, accessing the entire water volume rather than being confined to surface levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydrodynamic propulsion system using rotors that generate thrust in water, enabling the robot to move through the water volume. The rotors create hydrodynamic forces that propel the robot horizontally and vertically, allowing efficient navigation through the entire pool volume rather than relying on surface-level wheel movement.
2Device complexity
If the robot is designed to clean only the immediate proximity of the bottom or walls, then the robot structure can be simplified, but the cleaning efficiency for large pools is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional robot that can perform both surface cleaning (along bottom and walls) and volume cleaning (through water column movement). The same robot platform incorporates both wheel-based surface navigation and hydrodynamic propulsion for three-dimensional movement, enabling it to address the entire pool volume with a single device rather than requiring multiple specialized robots.
3Reliability
If the robot uses a sealed containment space for electronic components, then the robot can operate autonomously in water, but the robot cannot easily access or service internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a service mechanism that enables the extraction or removal of electronic components from the sealed containment space. This allows maintenance personnel to access, service, or replace internal components without compromising the sealed structure during normal operation, thereby maintaining both reliability and ease of repair.
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
Enables thorough and efficient cleaning of the entire swimming pool volume, improving both aesthetic and health outcomes by ensuring all water is filtered and debris removed, especially in larger pools where prior robots fall short.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rotors (3), a control unit and means for cleaning the swimming pool. The plurality of rotors (3) is configured for generating a hydrodynamic thrust designed to move the robot (1) inside an entire volume of the swimming pool
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Described is a robot (1) for cleaning swimming pools comprising a main body (2), a plurality of rotors (3), a control unit and means for cleaning the swimming pool. The main body (2) has at least one sealed containment space (4). The plurality of rotors (3) is configured for generating a hydrodynamic thrust designed for moving the robot inside an entire space of the swimming pool. The control unit inserted in the containment space (4) and is configured for modifying at least one respective operating parameter of each rotor (3) in such a way as to direct the hydrodynamic thrust.