Ultrasonic descaling device

Abstract

A portable ultrasonic descaling device provides an improved method to remove calcium deposits and stains from the surfaces of swimming pools and other structures in contact with water. The handheld device comprises a water-resistant housing, within which are mounted an ultrasonic transducer, a fluid pumping system, a cleaning blade, a controller, and a power source. The ultrasonic transducer drives both the pumping system and the cleaning blade. The fluid pumping system draws fluids from a water source and through the device, cooling the transducer, cleaning blade, and surfaces being descaled by fore mounted spray nozzles. The power source comprises batteries to power the device. Lighting may also be fore-mounted for illumination and is connected to the circuitry along with a visual indicator. Direct contact of the calcified buildup with the oscillating cleaning blade and water spray from the nozzle heads causes breakdown of the deposits by cavitation.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic descaling device for a swimming pool, comprising: a water-resistant housing; an ultrasonic transducer; a cleaning blade connected to the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the cleaning blade moves according to the motion of the ultrasonic transducer; one or more spray nozzles directed toward the cleaning blade; a water inlet/connector, and a conduit adapted to connect the water inlet/connector and the swimming pool; a water pumping system for circulating water from the swimming pool past the ultrasonic transducer for cooling the transducer, and to the one or more spray nozzles wherein the water pumping system is driven by the motion of the ultrasonic transducer; a controller in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer; and a power source in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer, the water pumping system, and the controller, wherein the ultrasonic transducer, cleaning blade, water pumping system, and controller are located within the water-resistant housing, and wherein the cleaning blade extends out from the housing.

2. The ultrasonic descaling device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning blade is replaceable.

3. The ultrasonic descaling device of claim 2, wherein the cleaning blade is secured to the device by a push button chuck.

4. The ultrasonic descaling device of claim 1, wherein the power source is a battery.

5. The ultrasonic descaling device of claim 1, further comprising a light source on an exterior of the housing.

6. The ultrasonic descaling device of claim 1, further comprising at least one visual indicator on the exterior of the housing.

7. The ultrasonic descaling device of claim 1, wherein the water inlet/connector is also adapted to be connected to a source of descaling agents and/or swimming pool treatment chemicals.

8. A method for removing buildup from the sides of a pool, comprising the steps of: providing the ultrasonic descaling device of claim 1; connecting the ultrasonic descaling device to the pool; activating the ultrasonic descaling device; sweeping the blade of the ultrasonic descaling device across the sides of the pool of the buildup desired to be removed; and repeating the sweeping step until the buildup has been removed.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of applying a descaling agent to the buildup before the step of sweeping the blade of the ultrasonic descaling device across the sides of the pool of the buildup desired to be removed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

(2) FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional schematic view of the portable ultrasonic descaling device with an exchangeable head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional schematic view of the portable ultrasonic descaling device with an O-ring design according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 2A is a top view of the portable ultrasonic descaling device with an exchangeable head design according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 2B is a top view of the portable ultrasonic descaling device with an O-ring design according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 3A is a left side view of the portable ultrasonic descaling device with an exchangeable head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 3B is a left side view of the portable ultrasonic descaling device with an O-ring design according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for a method for removing buildup from the sides of a pool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) One embodiment of the present invention is of a portable ultrasonic descaling device that utilizes ultrasonic energy to break up calcium deposits and stains from swimming pools and surfaces that come in contact with water, and enhance removal of calcifications, biologics, and algae from said surfaces.

(10) The portable ultrasonic descaling device, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, has a contoured design that is held in the hand of an operator and applied to surfaces to be cleaned. FIGS. 1A-B are cross-sectional schematic views of the device 10 with exchangeable head design and O-ring designs, respectively. The device 10 comprises a water-resistant housing 12 that contains the functional components of the device 10 within. Within the housing there is arranged a controller 46, ultrasonic transducer 32, fluid pumping system 36, power source 54, and a cleaning blade 14. Covering the mid-portion of the device 10 is a grippable surface 58, which is discussed in more detail in FIG. 3.

(11) In use, the device 10 is held in the hand of the operator, and through an opening in the fore-end of the housing a cleaning blade 14 protrudes whiles being irrigated by fluid from spray nozzle 18. The cleaning blade 14 may be pressed against or swept along an area desired to be cleaned. The cleaning blade 14 may extend several inches from the housing 12 so that the operator can see the area being cleaned. The cleaning blade 14 may be made from any material suitable for withstanding ultrasonic vibrations. Preferably, the cleaning blade 14 is made from a material that will not damage tile and grout during use, such as hard plastics or soft metals. The blade is firmly affixed in the housing by the push button chuck 22 and may be interchangeable with blades of various sizes and shapes designed for specific tasks. Alternatively, other locking schemes may be used to hold the blade against the housing. In FIG. 1A, the cleaning blade 14 is contained in an exchangeable head 16a which affixes to the fore of the unit to connect with the ultrasonic radiating structure. In this embodiment, the exchangeable head 16a seals the fore-end of the device 10 to keep water from getting inside the housing 12. In FIG. 1B the cleaning blade 14 is placed in the push button chuck 22 similar to the way a drill bit is loaded into a drill. In this embodiment, an O-ring 16 between the cleaning blade 14 and the housing 12 prevents water from getting inside the housing.

(12) The cleaning blade 14 is mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 32 by contact with linkage 30. Linkage 30 is an ultrasonic radiating structure which is preferably a straight bar that operates in a linear fashion, but other configurations and motions that transmit mechanical forces are contemplated.

(13) During use of the device 10, ultrasonic waves are generated by the ultrasonic transducer 32. The ultrasonic transducer 32 may be a piezoelectric actuator, and conjugated by linkage 30 to the cleaning blade 14. Ultrasonic waves can be transmitted through water or air to contact and break apart buildup. The piezoelectric actuator, such as a piezo stack actuator, reacts to a voltage waveform by warping its crystalline structure, which is used as mechanical power by displacement. Its movement is strong, fast, and precise with meager energy usage. The displacement is in direct correlation to the actuator's structure and applied voltage whereby oscillating the voltage produces vibrating forces and movement. Alternatively, the ultrasonic transducer 32 may be an electromagnetic transducer or other actuator that causes vibrations and displacements within the housing. In some embodiments, the device may comprise more than one type of transducer or multiple transducers of the same type.

(14) The byproduct of the very high frequency oscillations of the ultrasonic transducer 32, linkages 30, 34, and cleaning blade 14 is heat. To mitigate that heat, the present invention may include a heat sink 42 made of appropriate thermoconductive material, such as copper. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat sink 42 is a fluid heat sink that uses water or other fluid to cool the device 10. The fluid heat sink is controlled by the fluid pumping system 36.

(15) The fluid pumping system 36 is powered by the ultrasonic transducer 32 through a linkage 34. The pumping system 36 draws fluid by means of a conduit 44 which is attached to an adjustable flow rate valve 50 and a fluid inlet/connector 52. An externally-connected tubing can be fitted to the descaling device by the fluid connector to provide its fluid source. For example, a garden hose connected to a water spigot provides a preferred source of fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid source may be a portable container of water. In another embodiment, the fluid inlet/connector 52 connects to a hose 100 that draws water from the pool 102 being cleaned. In still yet another embodiment, the fluid source is also connected via a hose 104 (shown in phantom) to a container 106 that mixes in additional substances, such as descaling agents, pool treatment chemicals, and the like. The pumping system 36 drives the fluid from the source through the fluid inlet/connector 52 and flow rate valve 50 through conduits 44, 28, such as piping or tubing, to the spray nozzles 18 whereby the fluid cools and debrides the cleaning blade 14 and working field. The fluid pumping system 36 may be of a diaphragm type, micropump, or miniature pump run by a linkage with the actuator and the flow of fluid (e.g., water) may be controlled by a flow rate valve 50 and/or a variable power switch 24.

(16) A controller 46 controls the operation of the device 10 by distributing electrical power to the components within the housing 12. The controller 46 is provided within the housing 12 and is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 32, fluid pumping system 36, and a power source 54. Additionally, wiring 38, 40, and 48 connects the controller 46 to other fore-end elements such as the visual indicator 26, power switch 24, and light source 20, which are discussed in greater detail in FIGS. 2A-B. The controller 46 may be circuitry comprising a piezoelectric actuator that incorporates a piezo voltage driver, energized by the power source, producing a signal at a pre-selected frequency. The controller 46 may further include a detecting circuit that can be adapted to receive and monitor feedback signals from the ultrasonic transducer 32 to vary the voltage waveform. The art, the controller 46 also may include a monitoring device or safety system in the event of water incursion into the unit.

(17) A power switch 26 is provided on the fore-end of the device 10. The power switch 26 has at least two states, on and off, which control the flow of electricity to the ultrasonic transducer 32. In a preferred embodiment, the power switch 26 is variable, with additional settings to regulate a variable amount of electricity to the ultrasonic transducer 32. This governs the oscillation of the ultrasonic transducer 32, thereby controlling the speed and amount of subsequent movement of linkages to the cleaning blade and pumping system. In embodiments with a variable power switch 26, the flow rate valve 50 of the fluid pumping system 36 may be optional, as the variable movement of the ultrasonic transducer 32 may sufficiently control the flow of fluid through the device 10. The power switch 26 is of a water-resistant design that impedes fluids from entering the housing 12.

(18) A power source 54 is provided in a compartment within the housing 12 and can be energized with batteries of a disposable or rechargeable type having a sealed access door 56 and connected to control circuitry. The access door may 56 have a safety shut-off switch (not shown) to prevent operation of the descaler if door is ajar. One embodiment of the portable ultrasonic descaler may contain circuit components, GFI system, transformers, and internal connections to allow AC current to provide its power and subsequent changes to the housing 12 to allow for an electrical cord to be attached.

(19) FIGS. 2A-B show top views of the device 10 with exchangeable head design and O-ring designs, respectively. Referring to FIG. 2A, the fore-end of the device 10 comprises the cleaning blade 14 situated within the exchangeable head 16a. Referring to FIG. 2B, the fore-end of the device 10 comprises the descaling blade 14 only.

(20) Near the fore-end of the device 10 are spray nozzles 18, light source 20, push-button chuck 22, and a power button 26. The spray nozzles 18 may appear as one or multiple holes in the top of the housing 12 and oriented toward the front end of the cleaning blade 14. In one embodiment, the nozzles 18 are positioned to extend slightly outward from the housing 12. The light source 20, which is connected to the control circuitry 48, may be included to illuminate the cleaning blade 14 and working field. The light source 20 may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optic illumination, incandescent bulbs, or any suitable source of light. In a preferred embodiment, the light source 20 illuminates while the device 10 is on. In an alternate embodiment, light source 20 may be turned on and off by an additional switch or button (not shown) located on the housing 12. The light source 20 may be set into the housing to repress fluid penetration while in use. The device 10 also may comprise a visual indicator 26 on the exterior of the housing 12. The visual indicator 26 is connected to circuitry 38 and may display information relaying the operating status of the device 10 (off/on), the charge remaining in the battery, the amount of operating time remaining on the device, or the intensity level of the cleaning blade 14. Other information relevant to operation of the device may be displayed as well. The visual indicator 26 should be water-resistant and housed partially within the housing. The visual indicator 26 may be an LCD screen, LEDs, organic LEDs, printed text or pictures, or some combination of the above.

(21) The mid and rear portions of the device 10 comprise the grippable surface 58, which is discussed in FIGS. 3A-B, and the sealed access door 56. The sealed access door 56 may be made from the same material as the housing 12, discussed in more detail below, and provides a water-resistant seal for the electronic components housed within the device 10.

(22) FIGS. 3A-B show left side views of the portable ultrasonic descaling device 10 with exchangeable head design and O-ring designs, respectively. The water-resistant housing of the device 10 is formed of an upper part 12a and a lower part 12b, a sealing gasket 12c, and covered by a grippable surface 58. The housing forms a shell that encompasses the internal components discussed in FIGS. 1A-B above. The housing may be formed from any suitable material that provides a rigid structure and prevents water or other fluids from entering the device 10. Such materials include, but are not limited to, plastics such as polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene teraphthalate. The shell may be cast in pieces 12a, 12b and sealed with sealing gasket 12c upon assembly of the device 10. In an alternate embodiment, pieces 12a and 12b may be cast as a unitary housing without the sealing gasket 12c.

(23) The mid-portion of the device 10 is covered by a grippable surface 58. The grippable surface 58 assists an operator in holding and maneuvering the device 10 while in use. The grippable surface 58 may be made from the same material as the housing 12a, 12b, and the surface may simply be textured or shaped so as to provide increased holding power for the operator. In one embodiment, the gripping surface 58 may be made from a separate material having a lower hardness than the housing, such as rubber or foam. The gripping surface 58 should be highly water-resistant, and may be covered in a hydrophobic coating in some embodiments. The gripping surface 58 may wrap around the entire circumference of the mid-portion of the device 10, as shown in FIGS. 3A-B. Alternatively, the gripping surface 58 may wrap around only a portion of the device 10 as required to accommodate an operator's hand.

(24) FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method for removing buildup from the sides of a pool. In step 401, an ultrasonic descaling device is provided as above described, e.g., comprising a water resistant housing having an interior and an exterior; an ultrasonic transducer; a cleaning blade movably connected to the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the cleaning blade moves according to the motion of the ultrasonic transducer; a fluid pumping system for cooling the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the fluid pumping system is driven by the motion of the ultrasonic transducer; a controller in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer; and a power source in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer, the fluid pumping system, and the controller, wherein the ultrasonic transducer, cleaning blade, fluid pumping system, and controller are housed within the water resistant housing, and wherein the cleaning blade extends out from the housing. In step 402, the ultrasonic descaling device is connected to a water source. In step 403, the ultrasonic descaling device is activated. In step 404, the blade of the ultrasonic descaling device is swept across the surface of the buildup desired to be removed. Finally, in step 405, the sweeping step in repeated until the buildup has been removed. In one embodiment, additional step 406 teaches applying a descaling agent to the buildup before the step of sweeping the blade of the ultrasonic descaling device across the surface of the buildup to be removed. Such descaling agents are well known in the art. The descaling agent may be applied to the area to be cleaned and left on the area for a time before the device is used. This may chemically assist in the removal of buildup by first breaking down the buildup.

(25) It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any preferred embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.