Pool Swimming Machine With External Hydraulic Drive Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming machines face issues with electrical safety risks and hydraulic motor degradation due to constant exposure to pool water and chemicals, leading to reduced lifespan and inefficient energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A swimming machine with a waterproof hydraulic motor encased in resin, powered by an external electric motor and controlled by an inverter drive system, which regulates the water current speed efficiently, reducing energy consumption and extending the motor's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic motor is placed within the pool to produce current, then swimming exercise is enabled, but the motor is exposed to water and chemicals causing degradation and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a waterproof hydraulic motor unit installed within the pool that generates the current, and a separate external pump unit containing the electric motor. This segmentation protects the electric motor from water exposure while maintaining the swimming exercise function through the in-pool hydraulic motor.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic fluid acts as an intermediary medium between the external electric motor and the in-pool propulsion mechanism. The electric motor drives a hydraulic pump externally, which sends pressurized hydraulic fluid through hoses to drive the hydraulic motor within the pool, thereby transferring power without direct electrical or mechanical connection to the water environment.
2Reliability
If an external hydraulic pump is used to power the motor, then electrical safety is improved, but the electric motor operates at full speed continuously reducing its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a variable speed control mechanism that allows the external electric motor to operate at different speeds based on demand. Instead of running continuously at full speed, the motor speed can be adjusted dynamically to match the required current strength, thereby extending motor lifespan while maintaining electrical safety benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the electric motor, specifically its rotational speed, are made variable rather than fixed. This allows optimization of motor operation by matching speed to actual swimming exercise requirements, reducing unnecessary wear from continuous full-speed operation while maintaining the safety advantages of external motor placement.
3Ease of operation
If the hydraulic motor is controlled by a proportional flow valve, then current speed control is achieved, but the electric motor must run at full speed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical proportional flow valve control system is replaced with an electronic variable speed motor control system. Instead of using a mechanical valve to restrict flow while the motor runs at full speed, an electronic controller directly adjusts the motor's rotational speed to match the desired current strength, eliminating energy waste from full-speed continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control approach changes from mechanical flow restriction (valve) to direct motor parameter adjustment (speed). By varying the motor's rotational speed parameter electronically, the system achieves the same current speed control function as the proportional flow valve but without the energy inefficiency of maintaining full motor speed throughout operation.
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 system provides a safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting swimming experience by minimizing noise, enhancing user control, and prolonging the hydraulic motor's lifespan through controlled speed regulation and protection from pool conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic motor connected to an impeller mounted within the housing for producing a current of water in the pool
Implementation Method 2
an impeller mounted within the housing for producing a current of water in the pool
Implementation Method 3
an inverter drive system connected to, powering and controlling the electric motor. Wherein in use the speed of the current produced is controlled by the inverter drive system
Data Source
AI summary
A swimming machine comprising a housing adapted to be mounted to an interior wall of a swimming pool. The housing comprising a hydraulic motor connected to an impellor mounted within the housing for producing a current of water in the pool when in use. The swimming machine further comprising a hydraulic pump stored outside the housing operably connected to the hydraulic motor mounted within the housing, an electric motor connected to and powering the hydraulic pump, an inverter drive system connected to, powering and controlling the electric motor. Wherein in use the speed of the current produced is controlled by the inverter drive system.