Remote Pump System for Pool Cover Water Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for removing standing water from pool or spa covers require user intervention and monitoring, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, and may lead to safety hazards and damage to the cover.
Innovation Solution
A remotely mounted pump system with a hose and weighting mechanism that creates a depression on the cover to accumulate water, allowing for easy removal without the need for user placement or monitoring, and can be manually or automatically activated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an on-cover pump is used to remove standing water, then water removal is achieved, but user compliance and monitoring are required which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the cover to service itself by integrating the pump within the cover structure, using the cover's own movement and positioning to activate and operate the pump without external user intervention. The pump automatically drains water when the cover is in the closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is merged with the cover structure itself, making the cover both a protective barrier and an active water removal system. The pump, hose, and weighting mechanism are integrated components that work together as part of the cover assembly.
2Productivity
If an on-cover pump is placed on the cover, then water can be removed, but the pump creates a depression that may damage the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is extracted from the traditional on-cover placement and repositioned within the cover's structural framework. The pump is mounted in a recess or channel that is part of the cover's design, preventing direct contact with the cover's load-bearing surfaces and eliminating the depression issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighting mechanism is positioned in advance to create a controlled depression only when needed for water collection. The weight can be moved or adjusted to create the depression temporarily during water accumulation, then removed or repositioned to prevent cover damage.
3Productivity
If the hose is placed on the cover for water removal, then water can be discharged, but the hose may be moved or disconnected requiring user monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is merged with the cover structure through integration methods such as being embedded in channels, attached to movable components, or formed as part of the cover assembly. This ensures the hose remains properly positioned and connected without requiring external monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to move with the cover when the cover opens and closes. The hose is routed through guides or channels that maintain its connection to the pump while accommodating the cover's movement, preventing disconnection.
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 increases user compliance and safety by providing a timesaving and easy-to-use solution for removing standing water, reducing the risk of damage to the cover and health hazards associated with accumulated water.
Implementation Method 1
a weighting mechanism coupled to the pool/spa cover to create a depression into which standing water will accumulate
Implementation Method 2
a pump mounted in a remote location relative to the pool/spa cover... removing standing water from the depression in the cover by turning on the pump and drawing the standing water through the hose into the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely mounted pump system for removal of standing water from a pool/spa cover includes a pump that is remotely located from the cover, and is not positioned on the cover. The system may further include at least one hose which may be removable from the cover or secured with the cover.