Composite Pool Wall With Glass Fiber Layers for Corrosion Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool walls, particularly those made of steel or aluminum, are prone to corrosion and degradation, especially in saltwater systems, limiting their lifespan and durability, and non-metallic alternatives lack the flexibility to form pools of various sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A swimming pool wall constructed with a composite material comprising multiple layers of thermoplastic resin and elongate glass fiber strands, with alternating orientations to provide hoop strength and resistance to degradation, including a core with insulating material for added durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel or aluminum walls are used for swimming pools, then structural strength and ability to form various sizes and shapes is improved, but corrosion resistance and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining thermoplastic resin with glass fiber strands to create a pool wall that achieves both structural strength and corrosion resistance. The glass fiber reinforcement provides tensile strength while the thermoplastic matrix provides chemical inertness against pool chemicals and saltwater, eliminating the corrosion issues inherent in metallic materials while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from metallic materials to a composite of thermoplastic resin and glass fiber. This parameter change fundamentally alters the chemical properties to resist corrosion while maintaining mechanical strength through the fiber reinforcement, resolving the contradiction between strength and corrosion resistance.
2Reliability
If non-metallic flexible polymer walls are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but structural strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where glass fiber strands are embedded in thermoplastic resin. The glass fiber provides the structural strength and rigidity that plain flexible polymers lack, while the thermoplastic matrix maintains corrosion resistance. This composite structure enables the pool wall to withstand water pressure and environmental factors without sacrificing chemical resistance.
3Reliability
If fiberglass reinforced polymer composite is used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach by using thermoplastic resin that can be formed and joined through heating and melting. This parameter change in the material's thermal properties simplifies manufacturing compared to traditional thermoset fiberglass, allowing for easier fabrication and installation while maintaining the corrosion-resistant composite structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible composite wall structure made from thermoplastic and glass fiber that can be formed into various shapes and sizes. The material's flexibility and formability reduce manufacturing complexity compared to rigid preformed fiberglass pools, enabling on-site installation and customization without complex fabrication processes.
4Ease of operation
If saltwater systems are used, then pool maintenance is improved, but wall degradation and lifespan are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material where the thermoplastic resin matrix provides chemical inertness against saltwater and pool sanitizing chemicals. This protects the embedded glass fiber strands from corrosion, enabling the pool wall to withstand saltwater environments indefinitely, thus resolving the lifespan issue while maintaining the benefits of saltwater pool maintenance.
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 composite wall maintains structural integrity and resistance to corrosion, allowing for pools of various sizes and shapes while withstanding water pressure and environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of layers of reinforced composite material fused together to form a unitary composite wall
Implementation Method 2
a core with insulating material for added durability
Data Source
AI summary
A swimming pool wall, and method for forming same, including a plurality of layers of reinforced composite material. Each layer includes a thermoplastic resin and a plurality of elongate glass strands of reinforcing material. A first set of the plurality of layers has the strands running in a first direction, and a second set of the plurality of layers has the strands running in a second direction. The first direction is offset in angle from the second direction, and the first and second set of layers are fused together to form a unitary composite wall. The pool wall permits the use of a composite material which provides sufficient strength and resists degradation. The wall structure may be a plurality of interconnected panels both arcuate and arcuate and planar in shape to determine the overall shape of the composite wall enclosing an area where water or ice is retained.