Adjustable Pool Pan for Treadmill Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aquatic/hydrotherapy equipment lacks improvements in construction techniques, simplicity of maintenance, and accommodation for a broad spectrum of users with different physical characteristics, limiting its effectiveness and usability.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a pan with side panels and a duct system within the pool structure, allowing for the installation of treadmills with mechanical transmission and railings, and adjustable depth levels to accommodate users of varying heights, along with jet ports for resistance, enhances user accessibility and therapeutic benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional aquatic therapy equipment is used, then the basic therapy function is provided, but the equipment cannot accommodate users of different heights and physical characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation for users of different heightsVSAvoidequipment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pool floor is designed with an adjustable section that can be raised or lowered to accommodate users of different heights. This dynamic adjustment allows the therapy equipment to adapt to various physical characteristics without requiring complete redesign of the entire system, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If complex construction techniques are used to improve therapy effectiveness, then therapeutic benefits are enhanced, but ease of manufacture and maintenance are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidfabrication simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pool structure is divided into separate, modular components including the adjustable floor section, side panels, and duct system. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard construction techniques and then assembled together, maintaining therapeutic effectiveness while simplifying manufacturing and maintenance processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If integrated treadmill and duct systems are installed, then user accessibility and therapeutic benefits are enhanced, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidmaintenance simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The treadmill and duct systems are designed as removable, self-contained units that can be extracted from the pool structure for maintenance or replacement. The duct extends through the side panel to the exterior, allowing access to internal components without draining the pool or disassembling the entire structure, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining user accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12115413B2Exercise and therapy pool structure

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 HYDROWORX INT

AI summary

A pool structure uses an installation to receive a treadmill within the pool. The installation has a pan which is embedded within the floor of the pool. A duct projects from the pan through a sidewall of the pool. A motor uses a mechanical transmission extending through the sidewall to provide motive power to the treadmill. Anchoring studs, which are drilled into the pool floor, are attached to the pan via a structural angle weldment.