Swim Spa Wall Insert and Propeller Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swim spas face inefficiencies due to turbulence and increased energy requirements, reduced pump life, and lack of easy access for maintenance, with current designs often requiring water removal to access pumping equipment.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two side-by-side propellers to create a wider, shallower water current with a diverter system to minimize turbulence and a removable wall insert for maintenance, allowing the pumping equipment to be accessed without draining water, using hydraulic motors and a parabolic diverter shape to optimize current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single propeller is used to create forward current, then the device complexity is reduced, but the current width is insufficient and turbulence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single propeller is segmented into two side-by-side propellers (first and second propellers) that work together to create a wider forward current. This segmentation allows the system to maintain lower velocities while covering a broader area, reducing turbulence and improving swimmer comfort without requiring a single high-speed propeller
2Volume of moving object
If the water stream expands by friction with water below it, then the stream becomes deeper, but turbulence increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different flow characteristics to different regions of the water stream. The forward current is designed to be wider and shallower rather than deep and narrow, creating local quality variations that reduce frictional expansion and turbulence. This local optimization allows energy-efficient flow patterns in the regions where swimmers are positioned
3Device complexity
If pumping equipment is built into the swim spa structure, then the device becomes more integrated, but maintenance requires water removal
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping equipment is segmented into a removable module that can be separated from the main swim spa structure. This modular design allows the pumping equipment to be easily accessed for maintenance without draining the water, while still maintaining integrated operation during normal use through the removable module configuration
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 configuration enhances efficiency by reducing energy consumption, extending pump life, and enabling maintenance without water removal, providing a more effective and cost-efficient swim spa experience.
Implementation Method 1
two side-by-side propellers that force a forward current of water
Implementation Method 2
a diverter having a smooth curved surface that redirects the forward current back toward the head end of the swim spa, thereby minimizing turbulence
Data Source
AI summary
An improved swim spa is described which has a tank having a head end and a foot end filled with water. A forward current is created by pumping equipment which directs the forward current from a head end of the tank, past a swimmer in the water to a foot end of the tank. The pumping equipment may be attached to a removable wall insert to which may be removed to allow easy repair and maintenance. The forward current allows the swimmer to swim in place. The width of the forward current is chosen to be at least twice its depth. A diverter at the foot end of the tank has a curved surface for redirecting the forward current toward the sidewalls and then back toward the head wall in a horizontal plane and downward and back toward the head wall in a vertical plane.