Single-Motor Flow Channel for Pool Robot Movement and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Swimming pool cleaning robots require at least two motors for movement and dirt suction, leading to high costs.
Innovation Solution
A flow channel with two symmetrical flow sub-channels, each equipped with a volute-shaped inlet and curved outlet, and impellers driven by a single motor to generate thrust for movement and suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If at least two motors are used for movement and dirt suction functions, then the cleaning robot can perform both functions, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single motor to perform both movement and dirt suction functions. The motor drives impellers that simultaneously generate thrust for propulsion and create negative pressure for suction, allowing one motor to replace what would traditionally require two separate motors, thereby reducing cost while maintaining full functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the movement function and dirt suction function into a single integrated system driven by one motor. The impeller structure combines both propulsion blade functions and suction induction functions, merging two separate operational systems into one unified mechanism that reduces component count and overall system cost
2Device complexity
If a single motor drives impellers for both movement and suction, then cost is reduced, but the stability of water flow and thrust generation must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow channel into two separate flow sub-channels, each with its own impeller driven by the single motor. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each flow path, ensuring that water flow into the suction channel and thrust generation in the propulsion channel are independently controlled and stabilized, maintaining reliability while using a single motor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different structural characteristics to different parts of the flow channel. The suction flow sub-channel has specific structural features optimized for creating negative pressure and stable suction flow, while the propulsion flow sub-channel has features optimized for thrust generation. This localized optimization ensures stable performance for each function despite using a single motor
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
Reduces the number of motors needed to two, enabling cost-effective movement and dirt suction while improving cleaning efficiency and stability.
Implementation Method 1
two impellers respectively disposed in the two flow sub-channels and close to the water inlet of the respective two flow sub-channels; and two driving motors drivingly connected respectively to the impellers, to the two driving motors configured to drive the respective two impellers to rotate
Implementation Method 2
The pumped water generates negative pressure inside the swimming pool cleaning robot to suck up sludge. At the same time, the water pumped in by the impeller can be ejected through the water outlet of the corresponding flow sub-channel, generating a reverse thrust on the swimming pool cleaning robot
Implementation Method 3
The pumped water generates negative pressure inside the swimming pool cleaning robot to suck up sludge
Data Source
AI summary
A flow channel, a driving structure, and a swimming pool cleaning robot are provided. The flow channel includes two flow sub-channels. A water inlet is provided at the bottom of the flow sub-channel. A water outlet is provided at a side of the flow sub-channel. Orientations of water outlets of the two flow sub-channels are opposite. The two flow sub-channels are symmetrical with respect to a center. Application of the flow channel can reduce costs of swimming pool cleaning robots.