Propeller-Driven Cleaning System for Low-Pressure Surface Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning systems face challenges with high operating pressures and flow rates, leading to difficult working conditions and inability to reach all surfaces, particularly large glazed surfaces, while requiring excessive water and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning system with a variable pressure and low flow rate pumping unit, equipped with a mobile structure, propellers, and adjustable nozzles, allowing for flexible operation and efficient surface coverage with reduced water and energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional pool cleaners are used, then cleaning function is provided, but they require external power sources and complex wiring systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring system complexityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical propulsion systems with a mechanical propeller-driven system that operates autonomously on the pool floor. The cleaner uses a propeller mechanism to generate thrust for movement and cleaning operations, eliminating the need for complex wiring and external power sources while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pool cleaner is designed to be self-propelled and self-operating using the propeller system. It autonomously navigates the pool floor, performs cleaning operations, and returns to its starting position without requiring external control or power intervention, making it self-sufficient in operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If pool cleaners are designed with propellers, then self-propulsion is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveautonomyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pool cleaner is divided into modular components including the propeller assembly, cleaning mechanism, and housing. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts that can be assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the self-propelled functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the propeller design parameters such as blade angle, diameter, and pitch to achieve efficient propulsion with simple manufacturing requirements. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves autonomous operation without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the cleaner is designed to return to start position, then operational completeness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning cycle completenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pool cleaner operates in periodic cycles, performing cleaning operations at the pool floor and then returning to the start position. This periodic operation allows the system to complete full cleaning cycles efficiently, using energy only when necessary for propulsion and cleaning rather than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaner performs the essential cleaning function at the pool floor and then executes a minimal return trip to the start position. By focusing energy on the productive cleaning action rather than continuous movement, the system achieves operational completeness with optimized energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 minimizes environmental impact and energy consumption by using minimal water and pressure, enabling efficient cleaning of various surfaces, including large glazed areas, with improved maneuverability and reduced operational difficulties.

Implementation Method 1

a structure equipped with propellers, wherein the propellers are configured to propel the cleaning device forward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrust generation: Jet

Implementation Method 2

a suction mechanism configured to generate a suction force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4561766B1Cleaning system with a structure equiped with propellers
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 NTA TECH SOLUTIONS SRL
  • EP4561766B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4561766B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A cleaning system (1) is described comprising: a pumping unit or pump (4) designed to pump out water or other similar fluids; an electric motor (3); a device (5) for regulating the revolutions of the pump (4) so that it delivers water at a high pressure, namely from 0 to 500 bar, and a low flow rate, namely from 2 to 4 L/min; a nozzle (15) equipped with a rotating head rotated by a pneumatic motor; an air compressor (7); lifting means: at least two, and preferably four, propellers (6) supported by a structure equipped with legs (22).