Fastener-Free Pool Frame Joints for Water-Resistant Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing above ground frame pools face challenges in being strong enough to support water and swimmers, while also being convenient to manufacture, assemble, disassemble, and store, and require water-resistant designs.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly using T-shaped joints made of plastic or metal, with no mechanical fasteners, that are integrally molded or multi-piece structures, allowing for friction-fit connections and assembly without mechanical fasteners, enhancing water-resistance and simplifying manufacturing, assembly, and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical fasteners are used to connect frame pipes, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the water-resistance is compromised and assembly/disassembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mechanical fasteners entirely from the frame assembly, extracting the source of water leakage and assembly complexity. The pipes are designed to fit directly into the joints without any fasteners, eliminating the need for holes or connection points that would compromise water-resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connection function into the joint structure itself, where the joint is designed with internal geometry that naturally secures the pipes through friction and geometric interlocking. This combines the support and connection functions into a single integrated component without separate fasteners.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical fasteners are used to connect frame pipes, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts mechanical fasteners from the assembly system, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes. The joints and pipes are designed as simple friction-fit components that require no additional fastening operations, reducing manufacturing steps and assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structure provides self-service by incorporating built-in friction-fit geometry that automatically secures the pipes upon insertion. The design includes tapered or stepped internal surfaces that create natural locking without requiring external fasteners, making the connection self-securing and easy to assemble.
3Strength
If mechanical fasteners are used, then the structural integrity is improved, but the disassembly convenience and storage efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mechanical fasteners that would require tools or complex operations for disassembly. The friction-fit design allows pipes to be simply pulled out from joints by hand, enabling quick disassembly and reassembly without tools, which greatly improves convenience for storage and relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection design transitions from a static fastened state to a dynamic friction-fit state that allows easy insertion and removal. The friction fit provides sufficient holding strength during use but allows controlled disassembly with simple pulling motion, adapting the connection characteristics to different operational phases.
4Strength
If joints include mechanical fasteners and apertures, then the connection strength is improved, but the water-resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all apertures and fastener holes from the joint structure, eliminating potential water leakage paths. The joints are designed as solid, continuous structures with only the necessary pipe insertion openings, and even these are minimized and strategically positioned to maintain water-resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the liner as a flexible sealing element that conforms to the frame structure and provides water-tight sealing. The liner acts as a continuous membrane that bridges across the joint areas, compensating for any potential gaps and ensuring water-resistance without requiring the joints themselves to be perfectly sealed.
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 provides a robust and water-resistant frame assembly that is easy to assemble and disassemble, improving convenience and durability while maintaining structural integrity under water pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a first horizontal portion having a continuous outer wall configured to surround a first end of the first horizontal frame, a second horizontal portion having a continuous outer wall configured to surround a second end of the second horizontal frame
Data Source
AI summary
An above ground frame pool is disclosed including a frame assembly and a liner supported by the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a plurality of horizontal pipes, a plurality of vertical pipes, and a plurality of T-shaped joints. The joints may lack mechanical fasteners with adjacent pipes or corresponding apertures. The joints may be one-piece or multi-piece structures. Such joints may be water-resistant and convenient to manufacture, assemble, disassemble, and store.