Swimming Pool Vessel Locking Rings for Reliable Sealing Under Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seals in swimming pool and spa equipment vessels, such as face and radial seals, often leak or are difficult to assemble and disassemble, leading to issues like water spitting and burping when the pump is turned off, and require additional force to separate the lid from the body under suction.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism that allows the lid to move into and out of a sealed position through rotation of a locking ring, using double-ramps and channels to facilitate sealing and unsealing, with features that automatically disengage the lid from the body when unlocking, eliminating the need for additional upward force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radial seal is used to seal in multiple directions, then sealing reliability is improved, but the difficulty of assembling and disassembling the lid increases
Solution Approach 1:
A locking ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the lid and vessel body. The locking ring features ramps that engage with channels on the vessel body, mediating the connection and allowing controlled movement. This intermediary mechanism enables the lid to be firmly held during operation while facilitating easy assembly and disassembly through rotational movement of the locking ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one. The locking ring can rotate to change states: in the locked position, ramps engage with channels to firmly secure the lid; in the unlocked position, the ramps disengage, allowing the lid to be removed. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between secure sealing and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the lid is held firmly under suction, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the force required to separate the lid from the body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring acts as a mechanical intermediary that bears and redirects the suction forces. Instead of the user directly overcoming the suction force on the lid, the locking ring's ramp-channel engagement provides a mechanical advantage, allowing the user to apply rotational force to the locking ring rather than directly pulling the lid against suction pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation force is applied in a different dimension through rotational movement of the locking ring rather than direct axial pulling. The ramps convert rotational motion into axial movement, allowing the lid to be released by rotating the locking ring rather than by directly pulling against the suction force.
3Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism is added to control lid movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components: a locking ring with ramps and corresponding channels on the vessel body. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific, simple function while collectively providing sophisticated control. The modular nature reduces overall complexity compared to integrated locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex actuators or motors to control the lid, the design inverts the approach by using a simple manual locking ring that the user directly manipulates. The complexity is inverted from active control systems to a passive, user-operated mechanical advantage system, reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are improved locking mechanisms for vessels, including both pressure and vacuum/suction vessels, used in swimming pool and spa equipment. These improved locking mechanisms provide a more robust, reliable seal between the lid and the body of the vessel, and include features that make moving the vessel between its sealed and unsealed positions easier. More specifically, the locking mechanisms include features that allow the lid to move into its sealed position when the locking ring is rotated relative to the vessel in a first direction, and that allow the lid to release from its sealed position and lift off the body when the locking ring is rotated relative to the vessel in a second direction opposite the first direction.