Freeform Pool Panels Withstand Water Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Free form swimming pools face structural issues due to stress on curved walls when filled with water, leading to shifting, buckling, and failure without appropriate bracing.
Innovation Solution
The use of panels with metal or plastic skinning over expanded polystyrene or urethane foam, adjustable for density based on water pressure, combined with A-frame supports and anchor plates for secure installation, allowing for convex and concave configurations and various installation types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If free form swimming pools use curved walls without appropriate bracing, then the pool can be installed with simpler structure and lower cost, but the convex walls will shift, buckle, and ultimately fail due to water pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pool wall is divided into multiple panels with straight edges that are assembled to form curved configurations. Each panel maintains structural integrity through its rigid construction, and the segmentation allows the curved wall to resist water pressure without requiring continuous bracing throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curved panel configurations to create free-form pool shapes. The panels are designed with specific curvature radii that allow them to form aesthetically pleasing curved walls while maintaining structural stability through their geometric design and assembly configuration.
2Strength
If the foam density is increased to strengthen the wall against water pressure, then the structural strength improves, but the weight of the panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foam density parameter is adjusted based on the specific structural requirements of different pool configurations. By optimizing the foam density within the panel construction, the design achieves adequate structural strength to resist water pressure while minimizing unnecessary weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel construction uses a composite structure combining rigid skinning material with foam core. This composite approach provides structural strength through the skinning while the foam provides buoyancy and insulation, achieving strength requirements without excessive weight.
3Reliability
If adjusters and anchor plates are added to secure the panels into concrete foundation, then the pool stability improves, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusters and anchor plates are pre-attached to the panels during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows for simplified on-site installation where the panels are simply positioned and secured to the foundation, rather than requiring complex assembly procedures during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusters enable the panels to self-align and self-adjust during installation, reducing the need for complex alignment procedures and specialized installation equipment. The panels can be manually positioned and secured with minimal assistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A swimming pool consisting of a plurality of panels that withstands water pressure in both a concave and convex configuration to create any freeform shape or size. Each panel consists of an adhered wall of skinning of metal or plastic over expanded polystyrene or expanded urethane foam. The density of the foam is adjusted as necessary to increase the strength of the wall based on static loading of water when swimming pool is assembled as a whole and fully filled with water.