Vacuum Head Urging Elements and Interlocking Hose Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater swimming pool vacuums face issues with ineffective debris pickup, particularly large items like leaves and twigs, due to the vacuum head's proximity requirements and a prone connection between the vacuum head and hose, which can lead to separation and loss of suction, causing inefficiency and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vacuum head with interlocking features, such as spring-loaded clips and flared components, to securely attach the hose to the vacuum head, preventing unintentional separation and ensuring effective debris collection by maintaining suction and preventing large debris from being pushed away.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vacuum head is kept close to the pool surface for effective debris pickup, then debris collection efficiency is improved, but the connection between vacuum head and hose is more prone to separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-assembled vacuum heads with hoses already attached through interlocking connections. This pre-assembly ensures the connection is established before use, preventing separation during operation while maintaining the close proximity needed for effective debris pickup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary interlocking mechanism (male/female connectors with friction fits and snap-fit features) between the vacuum head and hose. This intermediary connection stabilizes the joint, preventing unintentional separation while allowing the vacuum head to maintain close contact with the pool surface for effective cleaning.
2Ease of operation
If a friction fit connection is used between vacuum head and hose, then assembly is simple, but the connection is prone to separation under vacuum pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum head and hose are pre-assembled with interlocking connections before use. This preliminary assembly ensures the connection is properly established and secured, preventing separation during operation while maintaining ease of initial setup.
Solution Approach 2:
An interlocking mechanism serves as an intermediary between the vacuum head and hose, providing enhanced connection stability. The male/female connectors with friction fits and snap-fit features create a more reliable joint than simple friction fit alone, while still allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If the vacuum head body is rectangular with a central hole, then manufacturing is simple, but large debris like leaves and twigs cannot be effectively picked up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vacuum head structure by adding separate flared urging elements to the rectangular body. These elements create multiple functional zones: the rectangular body for simple manufacturing and the flared extensions for guiding large debris into the vacuum opening, enabling effective pickup of leaves and twigs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity by extending flared urging elements outward from the rectangular body in perpendicular directions. This dimensional change creates a larger effective opening and guiding surfaces that capture large debris from multiple angles, while the base rectangular body remains simple to manufacture.
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 interlocking features enhance the vacuum's ability to pick up debris, reduce the likelihood of hose separation, and maintain suction, resulting in improved cleaning efficiency and user convenience by ensuring a stable connection and effective debris removal.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded clips
Implementation Method 2
flared components
Implementation Method 3
vacuum action as the head moves across the pool's underwater surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for an improved underwater vacuum cleaning system. Urging elements are provided on a vacuum head to encourage debris, especially large pieces of underwater debris, to matriculate under the head or otherwise toward the vacuum opening, rather than traveling over the head or otherwise NOT toward the vacuum opening. Various embodiments of engagement elements are disclosed between the vacuum head and a vacuum hose to improve the connection therebetween.