Flow-Thru Plug Repair for Pool Fitting Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leaking or cracked fittings and pipes in swimming pools, spas, and fountains often require costly and disruptive repairs, involving the cutting of decking and excavation, which is inefficient and damaging to the surrounding area.
Innovation Solution
A flow-thru plug is adapted with cone-shaped washers to create a watertight seal around the leak, allowing fluid to pass through, and a customized eyeball fitting for a finished appearance, enabling repairs without draining the pool or spa and minimizing disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional repair methods are used to fix leaking fittings, then the leak is sealed, but the decking must be cut and excavated causing extensive disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The repair apparatus serves as an intermediary device that bridges the leak without requiring removal of surrounding decking. The apparatus includes a body with sealing elements that interface with the fitting and pipe, creating a watertight seal while the outer housing protects the surrounding deck area from disturbance
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs flexible sealing elements including an O-ring seal and grommet that can conform to the fitting and pipe surfaces. These flexible components create effective seals around irregular surfaces without requiring rigid structural modifications to the surrounding deck
2Reliability
If traditional repair methods are used to fix leaking fittings, then the leak is sealed, but extensive excavation and plumbing modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The repair apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion that interfaces with the fitting, a spacer tube that positions sealing elements, and an outer housing that protects the repair area. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall repair process
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates adjustable and adaptable components including threaded connections for positioning, expandable sealing elements, and flexible grommets that can accommodate variations in pipe and fitting dimensions without requiring precise pre-modification of the plumbing system
3Ease of manufacture
If the pool or spa is drained to access the fitting, then the fitting can be replaced, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The repair apparatus is designed to be installed and function while the pool or spa remains filled with water. The sealing elements work under existing water pressure, and the apparatus itself provides the necessary containment and sealing functions without requiring the system to be drained or taken offline
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus pre-assembles all necessary sealing and containment components in a single unit that can be installed directly over the leaking fitting. The spacer tube and sealing elements are pre-positioned to ensure proper alignment and seal engagement, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly procedures
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
This method allows for cost-effective and minimally invasive repairs of leaks and cracks, maintaining the deck's appearance and reducing the need for extensive excavation and plumbing modifications.
Implementation Method 1
the flow-thru plug is compressed between two cone-shaped washers that create a watertight seal at each end of the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for repairing a fluid leak, thru a crack within the body of a pool return fitting, or in a pipe of close proximity to a pool return fitting, wherein an apparatus comprising of two specially shaped cylindrical flow-thru rubber plugs, wherein a threaded tube thru the center of the rubber plugs, being separated by a spacer sealed with rubber washers and rigid washers, are retained at one end by a flare in said tube, and threaded on the other end, secured by a locking nut over a rigid washer against a conical wedge. When the locking nut is tightened, the rubber plugs radially expands within the return line pipe and the pool return fitting, sealing any leak occurring between the pool return fitting and the return line pipe, wherein fluid may still pass thru the center tube. A return eyeball cap is threaded onto the center tube, wherein the eyeball is threaded female internally. The apparatus may be installed in a pool with or without water in the pool.