Flush Mounted Vinyl Nozzle Assembly with Concealed Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool nozzle assemblies are unsightly due to visible screws, have a raised clamp ring that is objectionable, and can cause the vinyl liner to slip or be inadvertently unscrewed during cleaning nozzle removal.
Innovation Solution
A flush-mounted pool nozzle assembly with a seal ring, clamp ring, and cover ring configuration that secures the vinyl liner below the pool surface, using a bayonet system for nozzle attachment to prevent unscrewing during removal, and an installation tool for easy assembly and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional nozzle assemblies use visible screws to secure the clamp ring, then the assembly is structurally secure, but the appearance becomes unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the visible screws from the exterior of the nozzle assembly by extracting the fastening function to the interior mechanism. The cover ring conceals all external fastening elements, leaving a clean, screw-free appearance while maintaining structural security through internal screw engagement with the body.
2Ease of operation
If the clamp ring is positioned above the pool surface for easy access, then operation is convenient, but the raised profile becomes objectionable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the contradiction by transitioning the clamp ring from a vertically elevated position to a flush horizontal position with the pool surface. The clamp ring is designed with a profile that sits level with the surrounding surface, eliminating the raised objectionable profile while maintaining operational accessibility through the same functional mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the vinyl liner is cut before assembly to fit the nozzle, then installation is simplified, but the liner may slip out of the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reverses the conventional sequence by performing the opposite preliminary action: instead of cutting the liner first, the assembly is prepared and positioned first, then the liner is cut and inserted through the pre-positioned assembly. This ensures the liner is retained by the assembled structure rather than risking slippage during subsequent handling.
4Ease of operation
If the nozzle assembly allows easy removal of cleaning nozzles, then maintenance is simplified, but the whole assembly may be inadvertently unscrewed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fastening system into distinct functional zones: the cover ring with its screw receivers handles cleaning nozzle attachment, while the internal screw mechanism secures the entire assembly to the body. This segmentation allows independent operation of cleaning nozzle removal without affecting the main assembly stability, preventing inadvertent unscrewing.
Data Source
AI summary
A pool nozzle assembly includes a body, a clamp ring, a plurality of screws, a cover ring, and a nozzle. The body includes a body rim having a plurality of screw receivers and a female threaded portion. The clamp ring is removably coupled to the body and couples a vinyl liner between the clamp ring and the body. The clamp ring includes an inner rim and an outer rim. The plurality of screws removably couple the clamp ring to the body. The cover ring includes a cover rim and a male threaded portion threadedly coupled to the female threaded portion. The cover rim covers the plurality of screws and is substantially planar with the outer rim. The nozzle is removably coupled to the base of the body such that a top end of the nozzle is substantially planar with outer rim and the cover rim.