Corner-Mounted Pool Insert With Rigid Frame for Shallow Child Play

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing swimming pool safety solutions, such as inflatable kiddie pools and fixed shallow areas, lack durability, flexibility, and integration with pool structures, posing installation and maintenance challenges while failing to address the safety of young children in the water.

Innovation Solution

A pool insert with a rigid frame and upper guard, comprising tubular members and a liner, that securely attaches to a pool corner, is easily installed and removed, maintaining pool functionality and cleaning efficiency, and prevents children from entering deeper sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inflatable kiddie pools are placed inside larger pools, then a shallow play area is created, but durability and stability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability and stabilityVSAvoidprone to punctures, require constant supervision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible liner (thin film) stretched over a rigid frame structure. This combination provides the shallow play area enclosure while the rigid frame supplies the structural support and stability that inflatable pools lack, eliminating the need for constant supervision while maintaining durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The pool safety system is segmented into distinct functional components: a rigid frame structure for structural support, a flexible liner for water containment, and a separate shallow play area enclosure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the frame provides durability while the liner provides flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed shallow areas are built into pools, then safety is improved, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to changing family needsVSAvoidfixed construction, cannot be adjusted

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a removable and reconfigurable shallow play area enclosure that can be dynamically adjusted or removed based on changing family needs. The modular design allows the structure to be adapted as children grow or family requirements change, unlike fixed concrete constructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shallow play area is designed as a separate, modular enclosure that can be independently installed, removed, or repositioned within the pool. This segmentation enables flexibility and adaptability while maintaining the structural integrity of the main pool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If rigid partitioning structures are used, then a stable shallow area is created, but installation complexity and interference with cleaning mechanisms increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installation and removalVSAvoidcumbersome installation, interferes with cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partitioning structure is segmented into modular components (frame sections and liner panels) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This modular design simplifies installation and removal while maintaining structural stability, and the segmented nature allows cleaning mechanisms to access different areas of the pool independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible liner acts as an intermediary between the rigid frame structure and the pool water, allowing the rigid structure to provide stability while the flexible material accommodates pool cleaning mechanisms and water movement without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If pool inserts are added to create shallow areas, then child safety is improved, but pool cleaning functionality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrowning risk for childrenVSAvoidpool cleaning mechanisms functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible liner used in the shallow play area enclosure allows pool cleaning mechanisms to pass underneath or through the structure without significant interference, while still providing effective child safety protection. The flexibility accommodates the movement of cleaning equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The pool is effectively segmented into a shallow enclosed play area and the main pool area, with the enclosure designed to allow cleaning mechanisms to service both areas independently, maintaining cleaning functionality while providing safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260009248A1Swimming Pool Insert

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 WARD CRAIG GEOFFREY

AI summary

A swimming pool insert is provided. The swimming pool insert includes a lower frame formed by a plurality of tubular members removably secured to one another via lower frame joints. An upper frame, positioned above the lower frame and is positioned above a water line of the swimming pool when in use, is formed by a plurality of tubular members joined by a first joint housing, a second joint housing, and a corner joint housing. A liner extends between the upper and lower frames which is designed to receive and retain water from the pool. The upper frame is designed to secure to a corner of the swimming pool. The pool insert creates a safe, shallow play area for children while maintaining the pool's functionality and is easily installable and removable.