Inflatable Pool Cover With Automatic Gas Inflation and Perimeter Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cover devices require manual operation and may not effectively cover pools of varying sizes, as they lack a mechanism for automatic inflation and secure engagement with the pool perimeter.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable pool cover system comprising a bladder positioned between two buoyant disks, with a gas cartridge and inflation unit for automatic inflation, and engaging members to securely retain the bladder against the pool perimeter, allowing for easy installation and removal without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for pool cover devices, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pool cover device is designed to inflate and secure itself automatically without manual intervention. The bladder inflates via a pump system that activates when the cover is placed in the pool, and the engaging members automatically clamp onto the pool wall, allowing the device to service itself
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operation is replaced with an automated pump system that uses electrical or mechanical power to inflate the bladder. The engagement mechanism is replaced with an automatic clamping system that secures the cover without manual fastening
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size pool covers are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pool cover device incorporates an inflatable bladder that can dynamically adjust its diameter to match different pool sizes. The bladder expands or contracts based on the pool dimensions, allowing a single device design to adapt to various pool configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The cover device changes its physical parameters (diameter, volume) by inflating or deflating the bladder. This parameter adjustment allows the same device to fit pools of different sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size versions
3Extent of automation
If automatic inflation mechanism is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation system is designed to activate automatically when the cover is placed in the pool. The pump system self-activates without requiring manual operation, and the bladder self-inflates to the appropriate size, making the system service itself
Solution Approach 2:
An automated pump system uses pneumatic or hydraulic principles to inflate the bladder. The pump delivers compressed air or water to expand the bladder to the required diameter, providing automatic inflation capability
4Reliability
If engaging members are added to secure the bladder, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into multiple independent engaging members distributed around the perimeter of the bladder. Each engaging member independently clamps onto the pool wall, providing redundant security and allowing the system to function even if one member fails
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 system provides an automatic and adjustable pool cover solution that can accommodate pools of different sizes, ensuring effective water coverage without manual effort, enhancing convenience and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
A cartridge is provided that is filled with a compressed gas. The cartridge is fluidly coupled to the inflation unit thereby facilitating the compressed gas to exit the cartridge and inflate the bladder
Implementation Method 2
A top disk that is positionable in a pool and float on water in the pool. A bottom disk is positionable in the pool and float on the water in the pool
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable pool cover assembly includes a top disk that is positionable in a pool and float on water in the pool. A bottom disk is positionable in the pool and float on the water in the pool. A bladder is positioned between the top disk and the bottom disk and the bladder is inflatable to a selected diameter. The bladder is inflated to engage an inside surface of a perimeter wall of the pool thereby covering the water in the pool. A plurality of engaging members is each coupled to the bladder and each of the engaging members releasably engages the perimeter wall of the pool. An inflation unit is coupled to the top disk and the inflation unit is in fluid communication with the bladder. A cartridge is provided that is filled with a compressed gas. The cartridge is fluidly coupled to the inflation unit thereby facilitating the compressed gas to exit the cartridge and inflate the bladder.