Head-End Swim Spa Plenum Layout for Compact Water Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swim spas are too large for compact spaces, and existing portable water jet devices occupy valuable space when installed, while conventional spas are not suitable for exercise due to their small size and additional plenum arrangements that increase the pool's footprint.
Innovation Solution
A swim spa design with a single plenum arrangement at the head end that creates two circuitous water flow paths within the swimming compartment, eliminating the need for a separate return flow plenum along the length of the pool, using a water propulsion device to split the water flow and ensure adequate circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate return flow plenum arrangement is extended along the length of the swimming compartment, then adequate water flow is provided, but the overall size of the pool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the return flow plenum arrangement with the head end outlet structure, merging two previously separate components into a single integrated assembly. This eliminates the need for a separate return flow plenum extending along the pool length, thereby reducing the overall pool size while maintaining adequate water flow through the integrated circuitous paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates circuitous water flow paths that utilize vertical and lateral dimensions in addition to the horizontal length of the pool. By directing water flow upward and sideways through the integrated plenum structure at the head end, the system achieves adequate circulation without requiring extended horizontal plenum arrangements
2Ease of operation
If a portable water jet device is installed over the edge of the pool, then water jet function is provided, but valuable space within the swimming compartment is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the water jet outlet structure into the head end plenum arrangement, merging the jet function with the return flow structure. This eliminates the need for a separate portable water jet device installed over the pool edge, providing water jet functionality without occupying valuable swimming compartment space
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
This design results in a more compact swim spa that is simpler and less expensive to manufacture, providing sufficient water flow for exercise while reducing the overall size and installation complexity compared to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a water propulsion device positioned within the plenum arrangement and creating a pair of circuitous water flow paths within the swimming compartment
Data Source
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 below and at a 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. The swimming pool having an absence of a separate return flow plenum arrangement extending along the length of the swimming compartment.