Inflatable Pool Cover with Air Pressure Rigidization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable swimming pools and pool covers face challenges such as lack of sturdiness, cumbersome and expensive hard covers, and difficulties in maintaining and storing these covers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hybrid pool apparatus with a galvanized steel outer tank and a Polyethylene inner tank, combined with an inflatable pool cover made of durable and waterproof material, which is easy to install, remove, and store.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If lightweight vinyl pool covers are used, then debris collection is effective, but water accumulation during rain makes removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical vinyl pool cover with an inflatable pool cover that uses air pressure to create a rigid structure. This inflatable cover prevents debris accumulation while allowing easy removal by deflating the air chambers, solving both the debris collection and removal difficulty problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the pool cover from flexible vinyl to an inflatable structure that can transition between soft and rigid states. By controlling air pressure, the cover becomes rigid during use to prevent debris entry, then soft for easy removal, addressing both technical requirements.
2Strength
If hard covers are used to prevent water accumulation, then cover strength is improved, but handling and storage become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pool cover system where the structural properties change based on operational needs. The inflatable cover provides rigid structural support during use, then becomes flexible and collapsible for easy handling and compact storage, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inflatable structure with thin walls that can be filled with air to create a rigid protective cover. When deflated, the same thin-walled structure becomes flexible and easy to store, solving both the strength requirement and the handling/storage difficulty.
3Ease of manufacture
If portable swimming pools are used, then ease of installation is improved, but structural sturdiness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates an inflatable structure into the portable pool design, where air pressure provides structural support and rigidity. This pneumatic reinforcement maintains structural sturdiness while preserving the ease of installation and portability characteristics of inflatable pools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flexibility of inflatable materials with the structural strength provided by air pressure. This composite approach creates a pool structure that is both easy to install and structurally sturdy, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a pool apparatus and an inflatable pool cover is disclosed. The pool apparatus includes a first tank positioned within a second tank, creating an air gap. The second tank includes pipe receiving sections. The pipe receiving sections facilitate the passage of pipes. The pipes circulate water through a closed-loop system and direct it into the first tank. The first tank stores water and maintains its temperature. The inflatable pool cover includes a valve that is configured to inflate the inflatable pool cover. The inflatable pool cover positions over the pool apparatus when not in use, and prevents dust and debris from entering the pool apparatus. The inflatable pool cover includes rings and handles. The handles facilitate the placement and removal of the inflatable pool cover from the pool apparatus. The rings are configured to secure the inflatable pool cover to the pool apparatus.