Buoyant Skimmer Module for Pool Water Level Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool skimmers are inefficient at higher water levels, leading to reduced debris removal and increased water waste, as they rely on optimal water levels for proper operation, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for maintaining skimmer functionality at elevated water heights.
Innovation Solution
A pool skimmer attachment comprising a buoyant front module with a weir and a back plate, where the front module is slideably connected to the back plate, allowing it to adjust vertically with changing water levels, maintaining a constant weir position relative to the water surface, thereby ensuring continuous debris removal and water circulation at higher pool levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the water level in the pool is increased, then less water drainage is needed and pool liner wear is reduced, but the pool skimmer becomes inefficient at removing surface debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the skimmer basket movable rather than fixed. The basket is designed to float vertically on the water surface, automatically adjusting its position as water levels rise or fall. This dynamic adjustment maintains the basket's effectiveness at capturing surface debris regardless of pool water level changes, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high water levels (to reduce water loss) and keeping the skimmer functional (to remove debris).
2Quantity of substance
If the water level is too high, then sufficient water can flow to the pool pump, but the velocity of surface water is reduced and the ability to pull surface debris into the pump system is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by introducing a vertical dimension to the skimmer basket's position. Instead of the basket being fixed at a single height, it can move vertically to align with the water surface. This allows the system to maintain effective debris capture at the air-water interface even when the overall water level is high, effectively adding a degree of freedom to resolve the velocity quantity trade-off.
3Quantity of substance
If the water level is too low, then the pool recirculation system is starved of water, but frequent water adjustments are required which waste resources and chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the automatic floating mechanism of the skimmer basket. The basket self-adjusts its vertical position in response to water level changes without requiring manual intervention. This eliminates the need for owners to frequently monitor and adjust water levels or manually clean the skimmer, allowing the system to maintain effective operation across a wider range of water levels and reducing the time and resources spent on maintenance.
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 enables effective pool skimmer operation at higher water levels, reducing the need for frequent water adjustments, minimizing water waste, and extending the lifespan of pool liners by reducing UV exposure, while maintaining efficient debris removal and pump performance.
Implementation Method 1
A pool skimmer attachment comprising a buoyant front module with a weir and a back plate, where the front module is slideably connected to the back plate, allowing it to adjust vertically with changing water levels
Data Source
AI summary
A pool skimming system for removing debris from a pool water surface comprising a pool water skimmer; a stationary back plate removably connected to the pool water skimmer, the back plate comprising a front, a back, and an aperture; and a vertically mobile, buoyant front module comprising a rear slot disposed vertically, an aperture and a weir, the front module being slideably connected to the front of the back plate by connecting means at the vertical rear slot, wherein the front module moves up and down with the level of water in the pool to maintain a substantially constant position of the weir relative to the pool water surface.