Pool Skimmer with Flotation Support and Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool skimmers require significant physical effort and strain to maintain effective cleaning, as they need to be continually lifted and held over the pool surface, leading to operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating flotation, hinge, or swivel elements into the skimmer design to reduce strain, along with an angled strainer surface and additional cleaning features like a brush and drawstring for efficient pool cleaning, including a secondary method to raise the strainer element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional pool skimmer is used, then the structure is simple, but operator strain increases due to continuous lifting and holding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flotation devices attached to the skimmer frame that provide buoyant force to counteract the weight of the skimmer and collected debris. This reduces the effort required by the operator to hold and maneuver the skimmer, directly addressing the operator strain problem while adding only moderate structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If flotation devices are added to reduce operator effort, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flotation devices are attached to the skimmer frame to provide buoyant support, reducing the effective weight the operator must support. This allows the skimmer to be easily maneuvered and held at the water surface without continuous lifting, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A hinge mechanism is incorporated to allow the skimmer frame to pivot or adjust its angle relative to the handle. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the operator to optimize the skimmer's position for different cleaning tasks and facilitates easier lifting and maneuvering, further improving operational ease.
3Productivity
If an angled strainer surface is added to prevent debris return, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer surface is designed with an asymmetric angled configuration rather than a flat or symmetric shape. The angled surface creates a barrier that prevents debris from slipping back into the pool while allowing water to pass through, improving cleaning effectiveness with a relatively simple geometric modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The strainer incorporates a curved or bent surface geometry that follows the flow of water and debris. This curved design helps guide debris toward the collection area and prevents it from returning to the pool, enhancing cleaning performance while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If hinge and swivel elements are added for maneuverability, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A hinge mechanism is incorporated to allow the skimmer frame to pivot or adjust its angle relative to the handle. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the operator to optimize the skimmer's position for different cleaning tasks and facilitates easier lifting and maneuvering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (flotation devices, hinge mechanism, swivel joint, angled strainer) into a single integrated skimmer assembly. This merging of components achieves improved maneuverability and ease of operation while avoiding the complexity of separate, uncoordinated parts.
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 enhanced skimmer design reduces operator effort, facilitates faster and more effective pool cleaning by distributing weight with flotation support and allowing for easier maneuverability with hinge and swivel features, while preventing debris from returning to the liquid with an angled strainer.
Implementation Method 1
a flotation device (120) is attached to the exterior of the frame (105)
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld surface skimmer with flotation support to lighten the load on the operator. Other improvements include a hinge or swivel for ease of positioning the skimmer, and optional brushes to allow cleaning the sides of a swimming pool. If desired, a drawstring may be added to raise the skimmer's screen element for movement around the pool and for stowage.