Skimmerless Debris Guard for Pool Filtration

Solution Overview

Problem

Swimming pool and spa filtration systems face disruptions due to debris entering the skimmer baskets, leading to inefficient water filtration and potential equipment failure, requiring frequent maintenance that is time-consuming and often neglected by busy pool owners, especially during peak debris seasons.

Innovation Solution

A debris guard system comprising a vertically positioned screen and a collector tray, with a diverter and adjustable securing mechanism, is placed in front of the skimmer to prevent debris from entering the filtration system while allowing water to flow, collecting debris on the surface and preventing it from entering the skimmer basket.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If skimmer baskets are used to collect debris, then debris can be captured, but the baskets require frequent emptying which is time-consuming and often neglected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris entry into filtration systemVSAvoidtime for emptying skimmer baskets

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful function of the skimmer basket by replacing it with a skimmerless system that uses surface tension and water flow dynamics to prevent debris from entering the filtration system in the first place, eliminating the need for basket emptying

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (skimmerless design with specific inlet geometry) that mediates between the pool water and filtration system, using water surface tension and flow patterns to naturally divert debris away from the inlet without requiring physical collection baskets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If skimmer baskets are frequently emptied to maintain proper filtration, then equipment reliability is improved, but the maintenance burden increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration system operationVSAvoidmaintenance effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The skimmerless system performs self-service by using the pool's own water circulation and surface tension to automatically prevent debris from reaching the filtration inlet, eliminating the need for human intervention to empty baskets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention takes preliminary action by designing the inlet geometry and water flow patterns to prevent debris accumulation before it can enter the filtration system, rather than requiring corrective action through basket emptying

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If debris is allowed to accumulate in skimmer baskets, then less maintenance is required, but water flow to the filter is disrupted and equipment may fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater circulation efficiencyVSAvoidequipment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful accumulation of debris into a beneficial effect by using the natural water flow and surface tension to guide debris away from the inlet, transforming what would be a problem into a self-regulating system that maintains both productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 debris guard system ensures continuous water circulation and filtration by blocking debris from entering the skimmer, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and preventing equipment failure, allowing for efficient removal of collected debris when convenient, thus maintaining proper pool chemistry and operation.

Implementation Method 1

A debris guard system comprising a vertically positioned screen and a collector tray, with a diverter and adjustable securing mechanism, is placed in front of the skimmer to prevent debris from entering the filtration system while allowing water to flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A debris guard system comprising a vertically positioned screen and a collector tray, with a diverter and adjustable securing mechanism, is placed in front of the skimmer to prevent debris from entering the filtration system while allowing water to flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow diversion:

Data Source

PatentUS10443257B2Swimming pool filtrations system debris guard

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 GREENWALD THOMAS

AI summary

A swimming pool or spa filtration system debris guard for preventing debris on the water surface from entering the opening of the filtration system. The debris guard having a screen for collection of debris, with and a flexible securing clip to secure the screen in front of a swimming pool skimmer opening.