Diving Board Lift Assembly for Upright Poolside Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diving board systems pose safety risks and logistical challenges when trying to raise or remove them to accommodate starting blocks in competitive swimming, as traditional methods are labor-intensive, hazardous, and can contaminate pool water with hydraulic fluid.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, manually or automatically operated diving board lift with a base assembly and a lifting platform equipped with rollers, securely attached to the flooring, which can be easily raised to a near upright position using a crank or automatic actuator, avoiding hydraulic fluid leakage and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the diving board is manually removed from its support, then the diving board can be taken away to accommodate starting blocks, but the process requires extensive time and labor and creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is pre-installed at the secured end of the diving board, ready to raise the board when needed. This eliminates the need for manual removal and allows quick transition between diving and competitive swimming activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism extracts the diving board from its horizontal position and moves it to a vertical stored position, clearing the area for starting blocks without requiring manual handling of the heavy board.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diving board is manually removed from its support, then the diving board can be taken away, but the process is physically difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism acts as an intermediary device between the diving board and the operators. It provides a safe, controlled method to raise and store the board without requiring individuals to manually lift or pry the heavy board, eliminating safety risks associated with direct manual handling.
3Ease of operation
If a hydraulic pump is used to raise the diving board, then the board can be lifted, but hydraulic fluid may leak and contaminate pool water
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the hydraulic pump and hydraulic fluid system from the diving board lifting mechanism. Instead, it uses a mechanical lifting system with a crank handle and chain drive, eliminating the risk of hydraulic fluid leakage and pool water contamination entirely.
4Reliability
If the diving board is stored on the floor or against a wall after removal, then it can be kept safe, but it creates a dangerous tripping hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism raises the diving board to a vertical position where it is stored upright at the secured end, rather than placing it horizontally on the floor. This eliminates the tripping hazard while keeping the board secure and accessible when needed.
5Ease of operation
If sticks or objects are used to pry the diving board upright, then the board can be raised, but safety concerns arise for individuals near the board
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism provides a proper intermediary tool specifically designed for raising the diving board safely. It replaces the unsafe practice of using sticks or objects to pry the board, providing controlled lifting that protects both operators and bystanders from injury.
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 solution allows for safe and quick elevation of diving boards to avoid obstruction with starting blocks, reduces safety risks, and prevents pool water contamination, making it easier for a single person to operate and is cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The second end of the lifting platform include a pair of rollers with each roller contacting and rolling along the underside of the diving board while the diving board is raised.
Implementation Method 2
The lifting means utilized is a manually or automatically operated actuator which is rotatably attached to the base assembly and the lifting platform. By turning the crank of the manual actuator or activating the automatic actuator in a clockwise direction, the second end of the lifting platform comes into engagement with the diving board and raises the diving board to a near upright position.
Data Source
AI summary
A diving board lift assembly for lifting a diving board from a substantially horizontal diving position to a substantially upright position is provided. The diving board having a diving end and a hinged end with the hinged end hingedly connected to a diving board support member. To raise the diving board, an actuator is rotated in a clockwise direction which rotation causes a portion of the top assembly to the lift mechanism to make contact with and raise the diving board to a near vertical position. To lower the diving board to its original position, the actuator need simply be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction.