In-Line Pool Sanitization via Electrolytic Ionization and Ultrasonic Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current swimming pool sanitizing methods, such as chlorine addition and salt water chlorination, pose health risks and environmental concerns, while alternative methods like ionization and ozonation have limitations, including the need for additional chemicals or constant operation, and ultrasonic cleaning faces challenges with scaling and parasitic growth.
Innovation Solution
A system combining electrolytic ionization cells to produce bactericidal and algaecidal ions, ultrasonic cleaning to prevent scaling and parasitic growth, and electronic oxidation to increase oxidation reduction potential, operating simultaneously without added chemicals or ozone, forming an in-line apparatus for effective sanitization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorine or salt water chlorination is used for sanitization, then effective disinfection is achieved, but health risks and environmental harm occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the sanitizing system by using electrolysis to generate hypochlorous acid and other active chlorine compounds in-situ, rather than adding conventional chlorine chemicals. This transforms the approach from direct chemical addition to electrochemical generation, altering the delivery mechanism and reducing direct chemical handling hazards while maintaining disinfection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical addition of chlorine with an electrolytic system that uses electrical energy to generate sanitizing compounds. The electrolysis cell converts electricity into chemical action, substituting the need for manual chemical handling and storage with an automated electrochemical process that generates sanitizers on-demand
2Reliability
If ionization is used to produce bactericidal and algaecidal ions, then residual sanitization is achieved, but additional chemicals or constant operation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated electrolytic system that simultaneously produces bactericidal ions, algaecidal ions, and oxidizing agents. By combining ionization with electrolysis and oxidation processes in one system, the patent eliminates the need for separate chemical addition systems and reduces the complexity of multiple independent operations
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolytic cell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates hypochlorous acid for disinfection, produces copper and silver ions for algaecidal and bactericidal action, and creates oxidizing agents for organic waste breakdown. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate systems or constant chemical addition
3Productivity
If ultrasonic cleaning is used to prevent scaling and parasitic growth, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but scaling and parasitic growth challenges remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrolytically generated compounds and ions as intermediary substances that work synergistically with ultrasonic vibration. These electrochemical agents act as mediators that enhance the physical ultrasonic cleaning action, providing additional sanitization and scaling prevention mechanisms that complement the mechanical vibration rather than relying on it alone
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
This integrated system provides effective sanitization and prevention of scaling and parasitic growth without the use of harmful chemicals or ozone, maintaining residual disinfection and reducing operational costs, while ensuring safety and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolytic ionization cell to produce ions having an algaecidal or bactericidal effect into the liquid
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic cleaning means to introduce sound waves into the liquid
Implementation Method 3
an electrolytic oxidization cell to increase the oxidation reduction potential of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line cleaning and sanitation apparatus for cleaning a liquid, the apparatus including electronic oxidation means to increase the oxidation reduction potential of the liquid, and ionization means to produce ions having an algaecidal or bactericidal effect into the liquid, in that order together with ultrasonic cleaning means to introduce sound waves into the liquid, and wherein the ionization means, the ultrasonic cleaning means and the electronic oxidation means are operated simultaneously for a period to clean and sanitize the liquid in the absence of added salt, chlorine or other chemicals.