Ramped Pontoon Automates Pool Cleaner Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pool cleaners often require manual removal from swimming pools, which is tedious and labor-intensive, as they lack automated retrieval solutions.

Innovation Solution

A floating ramped pontoon with a buoyant housing, winch, and driven wheels that allows for automated retrieval of pool cleaners by winding a cable and using extendable paddle blades to move across the water and climb out of the pool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual pulling method is used to retrieve pool cleaner, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to tedious and labor-intensive operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepool cleaner retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidretrieval system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pontoon system performs self-service by automatically retrieving the pool cleaner using its onboard winch and cable system. The cleaner docks with the pontoon autonomously, and the winch automatically winds the cable to pull the cleaner onto the pontoon, eliminating the need for manual pulling by users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical pulling action is replaced by an automated winch mechanism. The winch uses a motor-driven drum to wind the cable, substituting human physical effort with an automated mechanical system that includes a motor, drum, and cable management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated retrieval system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepool cleaner retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidpontoon system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pontoon serves multiple functions: it acts as a floating platform, houses the winch and cable system, provides a docking station for the cleaner, and includes sensors for autonomous detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated retrieval devices, managing system complexity through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The retrieval system components (winch, cable, sensors, power source) are merged into a single integrated pontoon unit. The pontoon combines the functions of a floating platform, control system, and retrieval mechanism into one unified device, simplifying deployment and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If winch winds cable to retrieve cleaner, then productivity is improved, but force requirement increases to pull cleaner against water resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaner retrieval speedVSAvoidwinch pulling force

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The pontoon floats on the water surface, creating a buoyant platform that eliminates the need to lift the cleaner vertically against gravity. The cleaner is pulled horizontally along the water surface where buoyancy supports its weight, reducing the force required to the horizontal component only and maintaining equipotential conditions throughout the retrieval process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The cable acts as an intermediary between the winch and the cleaner, transmitting the pulling force efficiently. The cable management system on the pontoon guides and tensions the cable to optimize force transmission from the winch to the cleaner, minimizing energy loss and maximizing retrieval effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables convenient and automated retrieval of pool cleaners, reducing manual labor and enhancing user experience by allowing the pontoon to transport and control the pool cleaner's operation, including docking and exiting the pool.

Implementation Method 1

a buoyant housing configured to float in water of a swimming pool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

Each driven wheel preferably includes extendable paddle blades which extend when the wheel rotates in a predetermined direction against the frictional force of the pool water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The pontoon includes a winch for winding and unwinding a cable connected to the pool cleaner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 4

the power source includes a battery. In one embodiment, the pontoon includes a solar panel positioned on the ramped platform for charging the battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic Effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11332222B2Ramped pontoon for retrieving a pool cleaner

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A floating platform dimensioned and configured to receive and transport an automated pool cleaner on the surface of the water is disclosed. For convenience, the floating platform is referred to as a pontoon. The pontoon is also configured to control the retrieval of the pool cleaner. The pontoon includes a buoyant housing having a first end and a second end. An inclined platform ramp is positioned in the pontoon housing at an angle from the first end towards the second end. The pontoon includes a winch for winding and unwinding a cable connected to the pool cleaner to thereby selectively release and retrieve the cleaner.