Hinged Spa Cover With Integrated Lifting Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spa covers are heavy, cumbersome, and difficult to remove and replace, with exposed lifter components that are unsightly and prone to damage, lacking ergonomic design and aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A spa cover system featuring hingedly connected cover members with a sleeve for a lifting mechanism, allowing for easy removal and replacement, minimizing exposed components, and positioning close to the ground for a clean, attractive appearance, compatible with existing spas and utilizing internal or external lift-assist mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing spa covers are used, then the spa is protected from debris and heat loss, but the cover becomes heavy and cumbersome making it difficult to remove and replace

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from debris and heat lossVSAvoiddifficulty to remove and replace

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into two separate cover members that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the cover to be easier to handle and operate while maintaining the same protective functions, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If lifting mechanisms are mounted to the exterior of the spa, then the cover can be lifted, but the components become unsightly and prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover lifting capabilityVSAvoidexposure to damage and aesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting mechanism is nested within the cover structure itself rather than being mounted externally. The connecting rod is received within a sleeve that is part of the cover member, hiding the mechanical components from external view and protection from external damage while maintaining lifting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting mechanism components are merged with the cover structure. The sleeve is integrated into the cover member, and the connecting rod becomes part of the internal mechanism, eliminating the separation between cover and lifter components that causes aesthetic and durability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single lifting mechanism is used, then manufacturing and installation costs are reduced, but the cover may not provide sufficient support across its entire area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing and installation costsVSAvoidsupport capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into two cover members that can be independently supported by a single lifting mechanism. Each cover member can be manipulated separately, distributing the support requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness of a single lifting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10865579B2Cover for a spa

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 STRONG IND INC

AI summary

A cover for a spa includes a first cover member and a second cover member hingedly connected to one another about a seam. The cover further includes a sleeve associated with of one of the cover members at an approximate midpoint between an outer edge of the cover member and the seam. The sleeve is configured to receive a connecting rod of a lifting mechanism therethrough for transmitting an uncovering and/or covering force from the lifting mechanism to the cover.