Fiberglass Pool Tanning Ledge Support Structure for Level Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing fiberglass swimming pools with integrated tanning ledges poses challenges due to unsupported ledges that sag and settle, requiring labor-intensive manual distribution of gravel or costly concrete, leading to uneven surfaces and prolonged installation times.
Innovation Solution
A support and reinforcement system comprising hollow fiberglass beams under the tanning ledge, integrated with plumbing channels, providing structural integrity and eliminating the need for manual backfilling with materials like gravel or concrete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If gravel backfill is used to support the tanning ledge, then the material is less prone to flowing and settling, but it requires manual distribution by workmen and is harder to evenly distribute
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical distribution system with a hydraulic system. Flowable concrete is pumped through hoses directly into the crawlspace, eliminating the need for workmen to manually distribute gravel. The hydraulic pumping mechanism allows precise placement of support material without manual labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the backfill material from solid gravel to flowable concrete. This parameter change allows the material to be pumped through hoses and automatically distributed into the crawlspace, solving both the manual distribution difficulty and providing complete void filling for solid support.
2Ease of operation
If concrete backfill is used to support the tanning ledge, then manual distribution is eliminated, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flowable concrete only in the specific area where it is most needed - the crawlspace beneath the tanning ledge - rather than using it for the entire pool installation. This partial application reduces material costs while still achieving the goal of eliminating manual distribution in the critical support area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic pumping to deliver flowable concrete to the crawlspace. This method is more cost-effective than traditional concrete placement methods and allows for precise placement without the need for extensive manual labor or expensive equipment.
3Volume of stationary object
If any backfill material is used, then the crawlspace is filled, but a significant top void remains resulting in unsupported tanning ledge and flexure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the consistency of the backfill material to flowable concrete, which can be pumped under pressure to completely fill the crawlspace void, including the top portion. This creates continuous support beneath the tanning ledge, preventing flexure and sagging that occurs with gravel or sand backfill.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual gravel packing with hydraulic concrete pumping. The pumped flowable concrete can be forced into all void spaces, including the top void that remains when using gravel, ensuring complete support of the tanning ledge structure.
4Strength
If stone packing is used beneath the tanning ledge, then support is provided, but the process is arduous and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the labor-intensive mechanical process of manually packing stone with a hydraulic pumping system that delivers flowable concrete. This substitution reduces installation time from hours or days to a much faster process, while maintaining or improving support quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the backfill material to flowable concrete, which can be rapidly pumped into the crawlspace. This eliminates the time-consuming process of manually placing and compacting stone, dramatically increasing installation productivity while providing superior support.
5Productivity
If flowable concrete is used, then installation time is reduced, but the waterline may not be level due to concrete lifting the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flowable concrete placement operation to a specific location - the crawlspace beneath the tanning ledge - rather than placing concrete around the entire pool vessel. This targeted approach provides support where needed without causing the vessel to lift or become unlevel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies flowable concrete locally in the crawlspace area where support is most critical, rather than using it for general pool installation. This localized application provides the necessary support to prevent ledge flexure while minimizing the risk of disturbing the overall pool level and waterline alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A swimming pool assembly, including a swimming pool body defining a pool top edge and an oppositely disposed bottom pool floor member connected by at least one pool wall and having a shallow tanning deck portion and a support structure for providing support to the deck portion operationally connected to the deck portion and extending away from the pool top edge. The support structure further includes a plurality of spaced elongated beam members, a support member operationally connected to the deck portion and to the plurality of spaced elongated beam members, wherein the respective spaced elongated beam members are positioned opposite the deck portion, at least one support structure wall member operationally connected to the plurality of spaced elongated beam members, and at least on pipeline operationally connected to the at least one support structure wall member and in hydraulic communication with at least one trough.