Rolling Pool Cleaner With Rotating Nozzle For Directional Propulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rolling submerged surface cleaning devices suffer from poor maneuverability and inefficient energy consumption due to the need for pumping and driving motor interruptions during direction changes, leading to suboptimal cleaning performance and energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A rolling submerged surface cleaning device that utilizes a hydraulic reaction force from a directional flow guide with a movable deflector member, allowing for continuous movement and direction changes without interrupting the pumping operation, and incorporates an actuator and control unit to orient the deflector member for three distinct directional components, enabling flexible trajectory control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pump motor is interrupted during direction changes, then the device can change direction, but energy consumption increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the nozzle direction changeable during operation. The nozzle is designed to rotate and deflect in multiple directions (front, rear, left, right) while the pump continues running, allowing the device to change movement direction dynamically without stopping. This resolves the contradiction by enabling maneuverability through dynamic nozzle orientation rather than through motor interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the pump motor is stopped and restarted for each direction change, then direction can be changed, but energy expenditure increases due to high current draw during restart

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection controlVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuity of useful action by keeping the pump motor running continuously while only redirecting the hydraulic flow through the movable nozzle. The pump operates without interruption, and the nozzle simply redirects the already pressurized water to different directions. This eliminates the energy-wasting stop-start cycles and maintains continuous productive action, resolving the contradiction between direction control and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Area of stationary object

If the device follows a fixed zigzag trajectory, then it can cover the submerged surface, but it cannot be positioned at will and maneuverability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the nozzle to move between multiple fixed positions (front, rear, left, right outlets) during operation. This allows the device to dynamically adjust its trajectory from fixed zigzag patterns to customizable paths, including ability to position itself at will by directing the jet appropriately. The hollow body can rotate and change direction freely while the pump runs, providing both coverage and positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the nozzle is fixed in one direction, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot change direction without stopping the pump

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle structureVSAvoiddirection changing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single fixed nozzle into multiple separate outlets (front, rear, left, right) arranged around the hollow body. Each outlet can be independently activated by directing the hydraulic flow to different nozzles. This segmented approach provides directional flexibility without requiring a complex continuously-rotating nozzle mechanism, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and direction-changing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device achieves improved maneuverability and energy efficiency by allowing continuous operation and precise direction control, reducing energy expenditure and enhancing cleaning performance on complex pool shapes without the need for motor interruptions.

Implementation Method 1

a device whose movement on the submerged surface results at least in part from a hydraulic reaction force to a hydraulic jet which escapes from the cleaning device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic reaction force: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 2

a flow guide having a movable deflector element to direct the flow of liquid escaping from this propulsion outlet through this flow guide so that it creates, by reaction, at the level of an outlet of the flow guide, forces whose resultant, called the hydraulic reaction force, has a non-zero drive component of the apparatus parallel to the running plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic reaction force: Reaction (physics)

Data Source

PatentEP2321483B1Rolling apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface with an orientable driving flow
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 ZODIAC POOL CARE EURO
  • EP2321483B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2321483B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2321483B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wheeled appliance for cleaning a submerged surface, comprising a hollow body; rolling members; a filter chamber formed within the hollow body; a motor-driven pumping device suitable for generating a stream of liquid between a liquid inlet (9) and a liquid outlet, the inlet and the outlet being connected to each other, said appliance being characterized in that it comprises a directional flow guide (91) mounted rotatably on a liquid outlet (10) about an axis of rotation and having a shape suitable for orienting the current of liquid which escapes through this propulsive outlet (10) through this flow guide (91) in such a way that it creates, by reaction, in a flow guide outlet, forces whose resultant has a non-zero component causing the appliance to be propelled parallel to the submerged surface; an actuator for turning said flow guide (91); and a unit for controlling said actuator for turning said flow guide (91).