Horizontal Flange Joint for Fiberglass Pool Seaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiberglass pool installation is limited by 16-foot width restrictions due to transportation regulations, and existing methods of seaming together pool elements are cumbersome and require precise alignment and recessed excavations, making it difficult to create custom shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving tongue and groove joints without vertical flanges or rubber gaskets, where adhesive-bonded tongues are used with tiles and silicone sealant to create a watertight seal, allowing for wider and more varied pool designs without special excavation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vertical flange joint method is used to seam fiberglass pool elements, then watertight seal can be achieved, but the installation requires precise alignment, recessed excavation, and access to underside of pools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical flange joint approach by using horizontal flange joints instead. The flange is positioned on the top surface of the pool element rather than vertically at the side, allowing installation from above without requiring access to the underside of the pool. This inversion eliminates the need for recessed excavation and simplifies alignment requirements while maintaining watertight sealing through the horizontal configuration with gasket and fastener system.
2Length of moving object
If multiple fiberglass pool elements are bolted together with vertical flanges, then pool width can exceed 16 feet, but the method requires precise alignment of flange and gasket and special recessed excavation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical flange joint approach by using horizontal flange joints instead. The flange is positioned on the top surface of the pool element rather than vertically at the side, allowing installation from above without requiring access to the underside of the pool. This inversion eliminates the need for recessed excavation and simplifies alignment requirements while maintaining watertight sealing through the horizontal configuration with gasket and fastener system.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal flange joint design with integrated gasket and fastener system allows the pooling elements to self-align and self-seal during installation. The top-surface positioning enables workers to easily align multiple elements without requiring precise pre-prepared recesses, as the horizontal configuration naturally guides proper positioning and the gasket system ensures automatic sealing contact.
3Ease of operation
If tongue and groove joints are used to assemble multiple pool elements, then installation without vertical flanges is achieved, but the process becomes time consuming and problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated horizontal flange joint system. Instead of using separate tongue and groove joints for structural connection and separate gaskets for sealing, the invention combines the structural flange, sealing gasket, and fastening mechanism into one unified horizontal joint assembly. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate assembly steps, reducing both time and complexity while maintaining structural integrity and watertight sealing.
4Length of moving object
If fiberglass pools are manufactured to exceed 16 feet width, then DOT transportation restrictions are violated, but custom shapes and sizes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides large-width pools into multiple separate fiberglass pool elements that can be manufactured within DOT width limitations and then assembled on-site using the horizontal flange joint system. This segmentation allows each individual element to meet transportation requirements while the final assembled pool achieves the desired custom width and shape, providing both compliance and design flexibility.
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
Enables easy installation of custom fiberglass pool designs exceeding 16-foot widths with a watertight seal, reinforced by water pressure, and aesthetically pleasing surfaces, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A first adhesive can be applied to a top surface of the first tongue and the second tongue can be positioned on top of the first adhesive
Implementation Method 2
A silicone sealant can be applied between the plurality of tiles. A silicone grout or a silicone sealant can also be applied between the tiles and the first edge; and between the tiles and the second edge
Implementation Method 3
Enables easy installation of custom fiberglass pool designs exceeding 16-foot widths with a watertight seal, reinforced by water pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method of seaming together two fiberglass pool components can include providing a first fiberglass pool component having a first edge. The method can also include providing a second fiberglass pool component having a second edge. A first tongue can extend from the first edge. A second tongue can extend from the second edge. The method can also include applying a first adhesive to a top surface of the first tongue and positioning a bottom surface of the second tongue on the first adhesive. A second adhesive can be applied on a top surface of the second tongue. A tile or tiles can be positioned on the second adhesive. A silicone sealant or a silicone grout can be applied between the tile and the first edge; and between the tile and the second edge.