Head-End Plenum Swim Spa for Dual Circuitous Flow Paths

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional swim spas are too large for compact spaces and require additional plenum arrangements outside the swimming compartment, which increases installation complexity and space requirements, while conventional pools are not designed for exercise due to their size and layout.

Innovation Solution

A swim spa with a single plenum arrangement that creates two circuitous water flow paths within the swimming compartment, utilizing a water propulsion system with a propeller driven by an electric motor and a compact plenum design that eliminates the need for external plenum extensions, allowing for efficient water flow and reduced overall size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate plenum arrangement is positioned outside the swimming compartment, then water circulation is improved, but the overall size and installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater circulationVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the plenum arrangement with the swimming compartment by positioning it at the head end within the compartment boundaries. The plenum chamber is integrated into the compartment structure, merging two previously separate components (plenum and compartment) into a unified design that maintains circulation functionality while reducing overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plenum arrangement is repositioned from an external longitudinal extension to an internal head-end configuration. This dimensional reorganization places the plenum within the vertical and lateral boundaries of the compartment at the head end, creating circuitous flow paths that utilize the compartment's existing three-dimensional space more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a portable water jet device is installed over the edge of a pool, then exercise capability is provided, but the device occupies limited space within the swimming compartment and requires installation and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise capabilityVSAvoidswimming compartment space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The water jet outlet is integrated into the compartment wall structure at the head end, merging the portable water jet function with the permanent compartment design. This eliminates the need for separate portable devices while providing continuous exercise capability without occupying additional swimming space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compartment structure itself provides the water jet functionality through the outlet positioned at the head end, making the system self-sufficient rather than requiring external portable devices. The circulation system serves dual purposes: water flow for exercise and overall pool circulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional heated spas are used, then health benefits are provided, but they are not large enough to allow exercise by swimming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehealth benefitsVSAvoidexercise capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The swim spa is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the health benefits of a heated spa through water circulation and temperature control, while simultaneously enabling exercise capability through the water jet outlet and circuitous flow paths. The single structure serves both relaxation and exercise purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of a conventional heated spa with exercise equipment by integrating the water jet outlet and circulation system into the spa structure, creating a multi-functional device that provides both therapeutic benefits and exercise capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 results in a more compact and cost-effective swim spa design that allows for exercise while minimizing installation space requirements and ensuring adequate water flow without the need for external plenum extensions, providing a simpler and more affordable manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

A water propulsion device is positioned within the plenum arrangement and effects a pair of circuitous water flow paths within the swimming compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS9038208B2Swim spa with plenum arrangement at head end

Publication Date: 2015.05.26 MASTER SPAS

AI summary

A swimming pool with a circulating water flow includes a plurality of side walls adjacent a swimming compartment, one of the side walls including an outlet, at least one inlet positioned at each lateral side of the outlet, and a plenum arrangement on a side of the one wall opposite the swimming compartment. The plenum arrangement is in communication with each inlet and the outlet. A water propulsion device is positioned within the plenum arrangement and effects a pair of circuitous water flow paths within the swimming compartment.