Removable Mineral Cell Pool Ionizer With Waterproof Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pool ionizers require frequent replacement of mineral cells, which are costly and contribute to operating expenses in pool maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A decontamination apparatus comprising a mineral cell with electrode plates and a power source, where the mineral cell is removably attachable and submergible under water, with a seal that prevents water from entering the power source chamber, allowing for extended use and reduced replacement costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the mineral cell is permanently integrated with the power source, then the structural integrity is improved, but the replacement cost and complexity increase when the mineral cell wears out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidreplacement cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate but connectable components: a reusable power source housing containing the electrical components, and a replaceable mineral cell containing the electrode plates. This segmentation allows the mineral cell to be replaced independently without replacing the entire device, reducing long-term costs while maintaining structural integrity through a secure connection interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the power source is sealed to prevent water entry, then the reliability is improved, but the complexity of the sealing mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproofing reliabilityVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible sealing element, such as an O-ring or gasket, is used to create a waterproof barrier between the power source housing and the mineral cell. This flexible seal conformally contacts the mating surfaces, preventing water ingress while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. The seal can be compressed during assembly to ensure watertight closure without requiring complex multi-component sealing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 apparatus effectively reduces operating costs by allowing the mineral cell to be replaced independently of the power source, extending the lifespan of the power source, and maintaining the water's stability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a seal that prevents the water from entering the chamber when the electrode plates are submerged in the water and electrified via the electrical connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

inserting the pin through the shaft to establish an electrical connection in the chamber between the contacts and the conductors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250066224A1Decontamination apparatus, kits, methods, and systems
Publication Date: 2025.02.27 CLEARBLUE IONIZER INC
  • US20250066224A1 patent drawing
  • US20250066224A1 patent drawing
  • US20250066224A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Decontamination apparatus, kits, methods, and systems are described. One apparatus comprises: a mineral cell comprising electrode plates and a pin comprising contacts; and a power source comprising a plug defining a chamber, a shaft extending into the chamber, and conductors in the chamber, the mineral cell being removably attachable to and operably submergible under water with the power source by inserting the pin through the shaft to establish: an electrical connection in the chamber between the contacts and the conductors; and a seal that prevents the water from entering the chamber when the electrode plates are submerged in the water and electrified via the electrical connection. Related apparatus, kits, methods, and systems are described.