Submersible Water Filtration Apparatus with Flow Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submersible water filtration apparatuses for pools and spas face issues such as hose line tangling and damage, battery-powered cleaners prone to leaking, insufficient suction power, and clogged filters that require frequent cleaning, leading to inefficient operation and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A submersible water filtration apparatus with a flow conditioning element that reduces current draw by pre-swirling water flow before reaching the impeller, recirculating exhaust flow to enhance kinetic energy, and a multi-stage filtration system with easily removable and interchangeable filters to handle various debris sizes effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single filter is used in the pool cleaner, then the device complexity is reduced, but the filter easily becomes clogged by large debris such as leaves, causing loss of pressure and suction
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple independent filter chambers, each containing a separate filter. This allows the system to handle different debris sizes simultaneously without one filter clogging the entire system. Each filter can be independently maintained or replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses filters with different pore sizes and filtration parameters to handle various debris types. By varying the filtration parameters across multiple filters, the system optimizes performance for different particle sizes while maintaining overall system reliability.
2Reliability
If the filter chamber is made secure and sealed, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but filter maintenance becomes difficult and requires multiple steps including pulling hose lines
Solution Approach 1:
The filter chamber is designed as a separable component that can be independently removed from the main cleaner body. This segmentation allows users to access and maintain filters without disassembling the entire device or handling hose lines, simplifying maintenance while maintaining sealed operation during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter chamber is extracted as a removable module from the main cleaner assembly. This allows the filter maintenance function to be performed independently without affecting the rest of the system, enabling easy access to filters while maintaining system integrity during operation.
3Ease of operation
If battery-powered pool cleaners are used to eliminate hose lines, then ease of operation is improved, but the units are prone to leaking which can ruin the battery/motor and reduce longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The filter chamber uses a flexible, sealed design that maintains water-tight integrity while allowing for expansion and contraction during operation. This flexible sealing approach prevents leaks that could damage electrical components while maintaining the portability benefits of battery-powered operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates redundant sealing mechanisms and protective features that prevent leaks before they can cause damage to the battery or motor. This preemptive approach to sealing ensures that even under pressure or during maintenance, critical components remain protected.
4Ease of operation
If the cleaner uses on-board batteries to provide suction power, then the need for hose lines is eliminated, but suction power becomes insufficient when battery power is running low
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner is designed with efficient filtration that prevents debris accumulation in the chamber, maintaining optimal suction power throughout the battery's operational life. By preventing clogs before they occur, the system maintains consistent performance until the battery is depleted.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller and chamber design optimize water flow dynamics to maintain suction efficiency throughout battery operation. The hydraulic design ensures that even as battery power decreases, the system extracts maximum suction capability from the available power.
5Ease of operation
If filters are made easily removable for maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but the seal integrity may be compromised leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The filter chamber is designed as a completely removable module that separates from the main cleaner body. This extraction design allows filters to be accessed and maintained easily while ensuring that when the chamber is reattached, the seal integrity is restored to factory specifications, preventing leaks during operation.
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 solution extends battery runtime, simplifies filter maintenance, and ensures efficient debris removal without hose connections, reducing strain on the motor and improving overall cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flow conditioning element that reduces current draw by pre-swirling water flow before reaching the impeller
Implementation Method 2
recirculating exhaust flow to enhance kinetic energy
Implementation Method 3
a multi-stage filtration system with easily removable and interchangeable filters to handle various debris sizes effectively
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated process and system for the cleaning of any body of water in need of periodic cleaning, including but not limited to a swimming pool or spa. A submersible water filtration apparatus comprises a housing unit, an impeller driven by an electric motor powered by batteries, an inlet where fluid, such as water, is drawn inwards into the submersible water filtration apparatus, an outlet for returning filtered water into the body of water, and at least one filter zone.