Swimming Pool Skimmer Inlet with Curved Tunnel for Uniform Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current skimmers for swimming pools suffer from inefficient water suction due to their design, leading to pressure loss, stagnation, and aesthetic issues, with existing models often featuring parallelepiped inlets that do not facilitate a uniform water flow or mirror effect.
Innovation Solution
A water input device with a descending platform and an inverted funnel shape, featuring a tunnel with a narrower entrance and a stylized horizontal 'S' bottom, combined with a mirror and low-relief flaps, which attaches to the skimmer body to enhance water flow and suction efficiency while maintaining a discreet aesthetic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a parallelepiped inlet shape is used in current skimmers, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but water suction efficiency is poor and pressure loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the parallelepiped inlet shape with a rounded, organic form that follows the water line. The inlet features a curved profile with a rounded top edge and smooth transitions, eliminating sharp angles. This curved geometry promotes uniform water flow distribution and prevents stagnation zones, directly improving suction efficiency while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard molding processes.
2Shape
If the skimmer inlet is placed at standard height, then installation is simple, but aesthetic appeal and mirror effect are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the functional inlet opening to a higher position on the skimmer body, above the traditional water line level. This vertical dimensionality change allows the inlet to be positioned optimally for both aesthetic purposes (creating a clean mirror effect on the water surface) and functional performance (improving suction). The inlet is integrated into the skimmer's upper profile, making it appear as a seamless design element rather than a separate component.
3Productivity
If water stagnation is allowed in the inlet area, then the structure can be simpler, but pressure loss and algae formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates stagnation-prone areas from the inlet design by implementing a sloped bottom surface that directs water flow toward the suction opening. The inlet geometry features a gradual slope from the top edge downward, preventing water accumulation. This extracted stagnation-free design ensures continuous water movement through the inlet, eliminating dead zones where algae could form while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Productivity
If the inlet covers a large water surface area, then suction efficiency improves, but the mirror effect and aesthetic appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the suction function in a specific optimized zone rather than distributing it across a large area. The inlet features a focused opening with enhanced local geometry (curved edges, specific angle relationships) that maximizes suction efficiency within a compact footprint. This localized optimization allows the majority of the water surface to remain uncovered, preserving the mirror effect while achieving effective water intake through the strategically designed inlet zone.
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 device achieves uniform water suction, reduces pressure loss and stagnation, and enhances the aesthetic appeal by allowing a more efficient and gentle water aspiration, minimizing algae formation and improving the water level management.
Implementation Method 1
A tunnel (17), with a narrower entrance on the side of the reservoir or pool them the exit of the said tunnel (17) of the input device (1) for water filtration equipment, attachable to the skimmer body (15)
Implementation Method 2
A water input device with a descending platform and an inverted funnel shape, featuring a tunnel with a narrower entrance and a stylized horizontal 'S' bottom
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present application discloses a input device (1) for water comprised by: - A tunnel (17) with a inverted funnel shape attached to the skimmer body (15); - An entrance on the side of the tank or pool; - A descending platform to the skimmer body entrance (16); - An outer finishing rim (3); - A mirror (4); - Ring seal (6); - Inside flap (13) on the side of the tank or pool; - Outside flap (14) on the side of the skimmer. The present application discloses an input device (1) water applicable, for example, in the filtration equipment for water reservoirs, especially swimming pools. This device can be applied to the wall (11) of the pool or tank using screws (7). The device (1) may further comprise a PVC screen (12). The present device can also further comprise one locking ring (2).