Insulated Pool Construction with Concrete-Insulation Composite Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pool construction methods result in significant heat loss through uninsulated bottoms and sides, making temperature maintenance costly and inefficient, with current insulation methods being time-consuming, costly, and prone to wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
The use of insulated construction panel components within a concrete structure, incorporating an insulating core sandwiched between outer layers of concrete, reduced rebar usage, and a rebar construction joint to enhance structural integrity and insulation, allowing for easier and more cost-effective pool construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional uninsulated pool construction methods are used, then construction is simpler and faster, but heat loss through the bottom and sides is significant, making temperature maintenance costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating insulation layers between concrete layers to form a composite structure. The insulation material is placed between the first and second concrete layers, creating a multi-material construction that reduces heat loss while maintaining structural integrity. This resolves the contradiction by incorporating thermal insulation without requiring entirely new construction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pool construction into distinct layers: a first concrete layer, an insulation layer, and a second concrete layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - structural support from concrete and thermal insulation from the intermediate layer - thereby reducing heat loss while keeping the overall construction process manageable through standardized layering.
2Loss of energy
If insulation is added to pool construction, then heat loss is reduced, but construction time and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing the insulation layer between the first and second concrete layers during the construction process itself, rather than adding it afterward. The insulation material is positioned in advance within the formwork before the second concrete layer is poured, allowing insulation to be integrated into the construction timeline without requiring separate post-construction installation steps.
3Loss of energy
If insulation material is exposed, then insulation effectiveness is maintained, but the insulation is prone to wear and tear and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to protect the insulation by sandwiching it between two concrete layers. This multi-material construction ensures the insulation remains enclosed and protected from environmental damage, wear, and tear while maintaining its thermal insulation properties. The concrete layers serve as protective barriers that preserve insulation effectiveness over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by enclosing the insulation layer between concrete layers before the structure is completed and exposed to environmental conditions. This protective arrangement is built in advance, shielding the insulation from potential damage by water, soil, UV exposure, and physical wear, thereby ensuring long-term reliability and durability.
4Strength
If more concrete and rebar are used, then structural integrity is improved, but material weight and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a layered structure with concrete and insulation. This composite construction maintains structural integrity through the concrete layers while the insulation layer adds minimal weight. The design optimizes the concrete distribution - using it primarily for structural purposes at the outer layers - thereby achieving strength without excessive material weight or cost.
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
This approach reduces material and labor requirements, decreases construction time and costs, increases durability, and enhances insulation effectiveness, while protecting insulation from environmental damage and allowing for decorative options.
Implementation Method 1
the pool includes at least one of an insulated basin floor and one or more insulated basin walls... the insulated basin floor and one or more insulated basin walls are formed of one or more of: a first outer layer of concrete, a second outer layer of concrete, and an inner insulating core
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing an insulated, in-ground pool are disclosed. In some cases, the pool includes one or more basin floors or one or more basin walls. In some implementations, at least one of the basin floor and one or more basin walls include one or more layers of concrete, such as a first outer layer of concrete and a second outer layer of concrete. In some implementations, the pool includes an inner insulating core. In some cases, the inner insulating core is positioned generally between the first outer layer of concrete and the second outer layer of concrete such that the first outer layer of concrete, second outer layer of concrete, and inner insulating core form a unitary whole.