Frame Pool Collar Sealing Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional above-ground pools with metal frames face issues of oxidation and corrosion due to exposed metal surfaces and gaps between connecting tubes, leading to premature wear of anti-rust coatings and increased water ingress, which accelerates corrosion.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of collars within the assembling ends of the upper tubes to house the connecting tubes, reducing friction and preventing water ingress, combined with anti-rust coatings and a flexible ring for additional sealing, addresses the oxidation and corrosion issues by minimizing contact between metal surfaces and ensuring a watertight seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the outer surfaces of the tube bodies are coated with anti-rust coating, then the oxidation resistance is improved, but the inner surfaces become rougher causing faster wear of the coating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation resistanceVSAvoidcoating lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the protective function into two separate components: the anti-rust coating on the upper tube and the collar with anti-rust coating on the connecting tube. This segmentation ensures that the rough inner surface of the upper tube does not contact the coated surface, preventing wear while maintaining oxidation resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar acts as an intermediary component between the upper tube and the connecting tube. It introduces a smooth-walled element that prevents direct contact between the rough inner surface of the upper tube and the anti-rust coated surface of the connecting tube, thereby protecting the coating from wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the L-shaped connecting tubes directly contact the upper tubes, then the assembly is simple, but the anti-rust coating is quickly worn and oxidized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidcoating durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection assembly is segmented into three components: the upper tube, the collar, and the connecting tube. The collar is inserted into the upper tube, and the connecting tube is inserted into the collar, creating a multi-stage connection that protects the anti-rust coating while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar serves as a mediator component that intervenes between the upper tube and the connecting tube. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between the coated surfaces, protecting the anti-rust coating from wear while maintaining a simple insertion-based assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If large gaps exist between the connecting tubes and upper tubes, then the assembly is easier, but water enters the upper tubes causing oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidoxidation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collar is pre-inserted into the upper tube before the connecting tube is assembled. This preliminary action creates a sealed interface that prevents water from entering the upper tube through gaps, while still allowing for easy assembly of the connecting tube into the collar.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The collar acts as an intermediary seal between the upper tube and the connecting tube. It prevents water from penetrating through the connection interface, thereby protecting the metal surfaces from oxidation while maintaining assembly ease through the insertion mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3789566B1Frame pool
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL
  • EP3789566B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3789566B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3789566B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A frame pool includes a pool body having a space for containing liquid and a support frame for supporting the pool body. The pool body has an upper edge with a sleeve. The support frame includes an upper frame extending through the sleeve and a plurality of support members holding the upper frame in an elevated position. The upper frame includes first upper tubes, second upper tubes, and connecting tubes connecting the first upper tubes to the second upper tubes. Collars are provided within assembling ends of the first and second upper tubes. Each end of each of the connecting tubes is movably inserted into a collar located within an assembling end of a corresponding one of the upper tubes. Anti-rust coatings on the outer surfaces of the connecting tubes can be prevented from being worn and water can be sealed out of the tubes of the upper frame.