Skimmer Basket Flag Assembly Alert Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool and spa skimmers require regular manual inspection to determine when the skimmer basket is clogged with debris, leading to unnecessary removal and replacement, even when not necessary.
Innovation Solution
A skimmer basket assembly with a magnetically-permeable ring and flag assembly, where the flag assembly is submerged by water flow but floats upward as an alert when debris causes increased pressure, compressing a spring mechanism and disconnecting from the ring, indicating the need for emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection of the skimmer basket is performed regularly, then the user can determine when the basket is clogged, but unnecessary removal and replacement of the basket occurs even when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The skimmer basket system performs self-detection of clogging conditions through the debris detection device that automatically senses when debris accumulates in the basket, eliminating the need for manual inspection by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through a indicator that becomes visible when debris is detected in the basket, giving the user real-time information about the clogging status without requiring physical inspection
2Productivity
If the basket is removed and replaced frequently to check for debris, then the user ensures timely cleaning, but operational efficiency decreases due to unnecessary removals
Solution Approach 1:
The debris detection device performs preliminary detection of debris accumulation in the basket before it becomes fully clogged, allowing the user to plan cleaning at the optimal time rather than reacting to frequent manual inspections
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator provides timely feedback about debris accumulation, enabling the user to clean the basket only when necessary, thus avoiding unnecessary removals and maximizing operational efficiency
3Extent of automation
If a debris detection system is implemented, then automatic alerting is achieved, but device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water flow as an intermediary medium to transmit the debris detection signal from the basket to the visual indicator, eliminating the need for complex electronic wiring or power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex electronic detection and signaling systems with a simple mechanical/debris-based detection mechanism that uses the existing water flow to activate the visual indicator
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
Automatically alerts users when the skimmer basket is clogged, reducing unnecessary removals and allowing for timely cleaning, thus improving operational efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic tip of the flag assembly contacts the magnetically permeable ring, and retains the flag assembly submerged in the guide tube
Implementation Method 2
increased force from water passing through the basket compresses the spring mechanism, separating the magnetic tip from the magnetically-permeable ring
Implementation Method 3
allowing the flag mechanism to float upward, as an alert that there is debris in the skimmer basket
Data Source
AI summary
A skimmer basket assembly has an basket, a circular platform with a magnetically permeable ring supported on a spring, a guide tube having a lowermost end of the guide tube positioned above an uppermost position of the circular platform, and a flag assembly within the guide tube, the flag assembly having a central stem, a flag at an uppermost end, a magnetic tip at a lowermost end, and a float. With the skimmer basket in a housing, with water flowing through, and the circular platform at an uppermost position, the flag assembly is held to the ring, and, with debris collected in the basket, increased force compresses the spring, separating the flag assembly, allowing the flag mechanism to float upward as an alert that there is debris in the skimmer basket.