Frame Pool Support Connectors to Eliminate Step-Like Sidewall Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing above-ground pools form a step-like structure between the fixing band and the pool liner due to water pressure, posing a safety risk as users may step on this structure to climb into the pool, increasing the likelihood of accidents such as drowning.
Innovation Solution
The frame pool design incorporates horizontal and vertical support members connected by T-joints, with connectors or sleeves that restrict the displacement of vertical support members away from the sidewall, ensuring they fit closely to the liner and prevent the formation of a step-like structure between the fixing band and the sidewall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixing band is provided on the outer side of the liner to restrict displacement of vertical support members, then the stability of the frame pool is improved, but a step-like structure is formed between the fixing band and the liner which creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful fixing band that creates the step-like structure is completely removed from the design. Instead, the patent uses connectors that attach horizontal support members directly to the liner, eliminating the source of the safety hazard while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Connectors are introduced as intermediary elements between the horizontal support members and the liner. These connectors provide the necessary connection function without creating the step-like structure, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the liner expands under water pressure causing vertical support members to displace radially outward, then the pool structure adapts to water pressure, but the fixing band is pulled away from the liner forming a step-like structure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing band that causes the step-like structure formation is removed entirely. The new design allows the liner to expand naturally under water pressure without the constraint that creates the harmful shape change.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is designed to be dynamic, allowing the vertical support members to move radially outward with water pressure while maintaining connection through the connectors. This dynamic adaptation prevents the fixed geometry that creates the step-like structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A frame pool (100) includes a pool liner (120) having a sidewall (122), a plurality of horizontal support members (111) having a first end (1111) and a second end (1112), a plurality of vertical support members (112), a plurality of T-j oints (113) having a first horizontal portion (1131) connected to the first end (1111) of at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members (111), a second horizontal portion (1132) connected to the second end (1112) of at least another one of the plurality of horizontal support members (111), and a vertical portion (1133) connected to one of the plurality of vertical support members (112), and a plurality of connectors (200, 300, 400, 500, 600), at least one of which connects one of the plurality of vertical support (112) members to the sidewall (112).