Frame Pool T-Joint Assembly Without Mechanical Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing above ground frame pools face challenges in achieving a balance between structural strength, ease of assembly and disassembly, and water resistance, while also being convenient to manufacture and store.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly comprising a first and second horizontal frame that narrows at their ends, a vertical frame that narrows at its upper end, and T-shaped joints that connect these frames without mechanical fasteners, allowing for a friction-fit connection and integrally molded or modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the frame assembly uses mechanical fasteners to connect horizontal and vertical frames, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts, nuts, washers) with a friction-fit connection system. The T-shaped joint includes friction surfaces that engage with the horizontal and vertical frames through frictional force, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners while maintaining structural integrity and enabling easy assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-fit connection system is self-assembling and self-locking. When the T-shaped joint is inserted into the horizontal and vertical frames, the friction surfaces automatically engage and hold the connection without requiring additional fastening operations. The connection relies on the friction between surfaces to maintain structural strength.
2Strength
If the frame assembly uses a monolithic design, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture and storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is divided into separate modular components: horizontal frames, vertical frames, and T-shaped joints. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard extrusion processes for aluminum or steel profiles. The T-shaped joints are separate pieces that connect the horizontal and vertical frames through friction-fit connections, enabling modular assembly and compact storage when disassembled.
3Ease of manufacture
If the frame assembly uses traditional connection methods with multiple parts, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the water resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The friction surfaces are integrated into the T-shaped joint and frame profiles themselves, eliminating the need for separate gaskets, seals, or waterproofing components. The continuous friction contact between the T-shaped joint and the frames creates a water-tight connection while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard extrusion processes.
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
The solution enhances the ease of manufacturing, assembly, disassembly, and storage of the frame pool while maintaining structural integrity and water resistance, simplifying the process and improving convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The joints may lack mechanical fasteners with adjacent pipes or corresponding apertures. The joints may be one-piece or multi-piece structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
An above ground frame pool (10) includes a frame assembly (20) and a liner (40) supported by the frame assembly (20). The frame assembly (20) includes a plurality of horizontal pipes (22), a plurality of vertical pipes (24), and a plurality of T-shaped joints (30). The joints (30) may lack mechanical fasteners with adjacent pipes or corresponding apertures. The joints (30) may be one-piece or multi-piece structures. Such joints (30) maybe water-resistant and convenient to manufacture, assemble, disassemble, and store.