Solar-Powered Floating Chlorination Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chlorination devices for swimming pools lack an efficient and self-sustaining mechanism for re-circulating chlorinated water, often relying on manual operation and not utilizing solar power for energy.
Innovation Solution
A float housing with an integrated pumping unit and solar panels that pumps and sprays chlorinated water back into the pool, powered by solar energy, incorporating a chlorine tablet for chlorination and a mesh filter for particle removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operation is used for chlorination devices, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and automation level deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (chlorination, pumping, filtration, and solar power generation) into a single integrated floating device. The pump housing contains both the pumping unit and filter element, while the float housing integrates the chlorine tablet container and solar panels, creating a unified automated chlorination system that reduces operational complexity despite increased functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates solar power, stores and releases chlorine, pumps water, filters particles, and sprays chlorinated water. This multi-functional design achieves high automation while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate manual devices.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are integrated for powering the pumping unit, then use of energy is improved through renewable power, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are integrated directly into the float housing structure, combining power generation with the floating platform. The electrical connection between solar panels, pump motor, and control circuitry is built into the housing, creating a self-contained unit that generates and uses its own power without external wiring or complex installation.
3Productivity
If a pumping unit is integrated into the float housing for re-circulating water, then productivity and water quality maintenance are improved, but device complexity and weight worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed as a submersible unit that operates while immersed in water within the float housing. The pump can be positioned at different depths and angles to optimize water intake from the pool and spray output, allowing dynamic adjustment of circulation efficiency without adding significant structural weight.
4Ease of operation
If chlorine tablet is used for chlorination, then ease of operation is improved through simple chemical release, but harmful factors increase due to chlorine exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element acts as an intermediary between the chlorine tablet and the pool water. It allows controlled release of chlorine while trapping particles and preventing direct contact between concentrated chlorine and the pool environment, thereby simplifying operation while reducing harmful exposure through filtration mediation.
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
Provides an efficient, automated, and environmentally friendly method for maintaining pool water quality, enhancing safety and aesthetics with solar-powered operation and visual appeal of a fountain-like display.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of solar panels is mounted to the lid for powering the pumping unit
Implementation Method 2
A chlorine tablet is positionable within the float housing to release chlorine into the water
Data Source
AI summary
A pool chlorination assembly includes a float housing that can be placed in water of a swimming pool. The float housing has an intake to allow the water to enter the float housing. A chlorine tablet is positionable within the float housing to release chlorine into the water. A pumping unit is integrated into the lid and the pumping unit has a spraying element extending upwardly from the lid. The pumping unit is in fluid communication with the intake in the float housing to pump the water in the float housing outwardly through the spraying element for releasing the chlorinated water into the pool. A plurality of solar panels is mounted to the lid for powering the pumping unit.