Encapsulated Webbing for Frameless Pool Cover Aesthetics

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retractable pool cover systems often have visible webbing and structural elements that detract from the aesthetic appeal and create functional issues such as wear and tear, particularly when the cover is repeatedly extended and retracted.

Innovation Solution

A retractable pool cover system featuring a webbing design with a draw cord and elongated sheet flaps that form a bonding surface, where the webbing is enclosed within an encapsulation structure, allowing the pool cover to be connected along a perimeter edge, and a method for assembling a decorated pool cover with designs extending into a channel, masking the webbing and enhancing durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional webbing structures are used in retractable pool covers, then the structural elements are visible and create functional wear issues, but the aesthetic appeal is reduced and durability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The webbing is nested within an encapsulation structure (channel or tube) that conceals it from view. The encapsulation structure houses the webbing while allowing it to extend and retract, masking the structural elements that cause aesthetic issues and protecting them from wear and tear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The encapsulation structure acts as a flexible shell that encloses the webbing. This shell protects the webbing from environmental factors and mechanical wear while maintaining the ability to flex and move as the pool cover is extended and retracted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Shape

If webbing is enclosed within an encapsulation structure, then aesthetic appearance and durability are improved, but the complexity of the assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The webbing is pre-enclosed within the encapsulation structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action of enclosing the webbing before installation simplifies the overall assembly process, as the encapsulated webbing unit can be installed as a complete assembly rather than requiring complex on-site assembly of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the pool cover is designed with visible structural elements, then assembly is simpler, but the frameless aesthetic and durability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The webbing is nested within the encapsulation structure, creating a protected internal configuration. This nesting arrangement protects the webbing from wear and environmental damage while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20240254792A1Pool cover attachment features and methods for frameless pool covers

Publication Date: 2024.08.01

AI summary

A pool cover apparatus for a retractable pool cover includes a draw cord extending over a length. A webbing including an elongated sheet extending along the length encloses the draw cord and forms a first sheet flap and a second sheet flap overlapping along a connection side. The elongated sheet forms an interior side directed to the draw cord and an exterior side directed away from the draw cord. A pool cover is connected along a perimeter edge to an interior side of the first flap forming a cover interface. The first sheet flap and the second sheet flap are fused along a webbing interface extending proximate to the draw cord and the first sheet flap extends beyond the second sheet flap providing a bonding surface for connecting the pool cover.