Solar Pool Skimmer With Sun-Tracking Panels And Conveyor Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skimmers for swimming pools do not continuously remove floating debris, which can accumulate and inhibit water flow, potentially clogging the system and causing pump failure, and fail to safely handle small animals that fall into the pool.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered skimmer with a flexible endless belt and adjustable solar panels that follow the sun's movement, allowing continuous debris removal and providing an escape route for small animals, with a conveyor belt system and brush mechanism to collect and remove debris without clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional perforated basket is used to skim debris, then debris collection is achieved, but the basket requires manual emptying and can clog entirely, causing pump failure
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system automatically transports debris from the pool surface to the discharge location without requiring manual intervention for emptying. The belt continuously moves debris away from the pool, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual basket emptying.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt extracts debris from the water surface continuously and transports it away from the pool circulation system. By removing debris at the source and transporting it externally, the system prevents clogging of the pool filtration system while maintaining continuous operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are made adjustable to follow the sun, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are mounted on adjustable mounts that allow them to change orientation dynamically throughout the day. The panels can be positioned at different angles and directions to track the sun's movement, optimizing energy capture while the mechanism remains relatively simple and maintainable.
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 skimmer ensures continuous debris removal, preventing water flow inhibition and safely extracting small animals, thus maintaining pool circulation and safety without clogging issues.
Implementation Method 1
The skimmer is activated, in whole or in part, by one or more solar panels which face the sun and which move at a rate which equals the observed rate of movement of the sun as it crosses the sky from morning to evening
Data Source
AI summary
The skimmer has a conveyor belt which travels in ascending and descending paths. The lower portion of the belt is adapted to be immersed in the water in a swimming pool for skimming debris floating on the surface of the water. The debris is carried upward by the belt and separates from the belt at its upper end. Any debris which does not separate from the belt is removed by a brush which contacts the belt as it travels in the descending path. The belt has perforations through which water passes. One or more solar panels activate, in hole or in part, the operation of the conveyor belt. The solar panels can be aimed at the sum whether it is high or low in the sky and once aimed, move at a rate which equals the observed rate of movement of the sun as it crosses the sky from morning to evening such that the solar panels continuously face the sun during daylight.