Continuous Support Bands for Swimming Pool Radius Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular wall structures for below-ground swimming pools face challenges in efficiently maintaining the shape of concave or convex panels, particularly in the construction and addition of reinforcement ribs, due to discontinuous support bands that complicate the installation and modification process.
Innovation Solution
A modular wall structure with continuous top and bottom support bands extending from end to end, allowing for the convenient placement and addition of support ribs, and featuring tapered surface members with gaps to prevent interference during bending into an arcuate configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discontinuous support bands are used in traditional modular wall structures, then the construction process becomes more complex and time-consuming, but the structural support function is still provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discontinuous support bands into a single continuous support band that extends along the entire length of the panel. This merging of separate support elements into one continuous structure simplifies the overall configuration, reduces construction complexity, and improves manufacturing efficiency while maintaining adequate structural support throughout the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous support band is designed to be pre-installed on the panel before the reinforcement ribs are added. This preliminary action allows the support band to be in place and ready to provide continuous support, simplifying subsequent construction steps and enabling easier addition of ribs at any location without needing to reconfigure support elements.
2Strength
If reinforcement ribs are added to maintain panel shape, then structural support is improved, but the construction process becomes more time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous support band is installed in advance before the reinforcement ribs are added to the panel. This preliminary installation creates a ready framework that provides immediate structural support and establishes reference points for subsequent rib placement, significantly reducing the time and complexity of the overall construction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the continuous support band with the reinforcement rib system into a unified structural framework. This merging allows the support band and ribs to work together as a coordinated system, where the pre-installed band provides continuous support while the ribs add localized reinforcement, achieving strong structural support efficiently.
3Shape
If support bands are installed before ribs, then the arcuate shape is maintained, but modification and addition of ribs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous support band is designed to work integrally with the reinforcement rib system, creating a unified and flexible framework. This merged structure maintains the arcuate shape through the continuous band while allowing ribs to be easily added or modified at any location along the band, providing both shape stability and construction adaptability.
4Strength
If multiple discontinuous support bands are used, then structural support is provided, but the construction process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple discontinuous support bands into one continuous support band that spans the entire length of the panel. This single continuous element provides comprehensive structural support across the whole panel, replacing the need for multiple separate support bands and significantly simplifying the overall construction configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular structure to form a swimming pool radius, and a method of constructing the same, the structure including a wall panel having front and rear surfaces, side surface members extending back from each of the two side edges of the wall panel, top surface members extending back from the top edge of the wall panel, bottom surface members extending back from the bottom edge of the wall panel, upper flange members respectively extending downward from a distal end of each of the top surface members, lower flange members respectively extending upward from a distal end of each of the bottom surface members, a top support band coupled to each of the upper flange members, and a bottom support band coupled to each of the lower flange members, the top and bottom support bands configured to maintain the wall panel in a predetermined arcuate configuration.