Floating Pool Cover Resolves Stability Complexity Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool covers often require a center pillow to prevent them from being blown off by wind, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A floating pool cover system called Topper, featuring a vinyl canvas cover with a flexible PVC tubing frame and foam padding, that floats on the water's surface, eliminating the need for a pillow by laying flat and being easy to set up and break down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a center pillow is used to prevent the pool cover from blowing off, then the cover stability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the center pillow component from the pool cover system entirely. Instead of using a pillow to provide stability, the cover uses its own buoyant edges and weight distribution to remain stable on the pool surface, eliminating the need for additional support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The pool cover is designed to be self-stabilizing through its inherent buoyant edges and weight distribution. The cover serves its own support function without requiring external pillows or additional components, as the edges naturally resist being blown off by wind
2Reliability
If a center pillow is used to prevent the pool cover from blowing off, then the cover stability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The center pillow is completely removed from the system, eliminating the need to install, position, or adjust it. The cover can be simply placed on the pool without any additional components, making operation straightforward and easy
Solution Approach 2:
The cover automatically stabilizes itself through its buoyant edges and weight distribution without requiring user intervention to set up support structures. The edges naturally resist wind forces, making the cover easy to operate while maintaining stability
3Ease of operation
If the pool cover is designed to float on water, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pool cover utilizes the natural buoyancy of water to support itself. The weighted edges and buoyant materials work together to keep the cover afloat and stable without requiring any mechanical support structures, making operation simple while avoiding added complexity
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
Prevents wind from blowing the pool cover off, simplifying winter pool closure by providing a secure and convenient solution without the need for additional support structures.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the set of foam segments has a hollow center
Data Source
AI summary
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which comprises a cover, a set of frame segments, and a set of foam segments. The cover has a circular cross section. The cover defines a set of spaced slots disposed around an outer circumference of the cover. The set of frame segments is coupleable to the outer circumference of the cover.