J-Shaped Clips for Pool Cover Underlay Abrasion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fabric swimming pool covers are prone to abrasions and tearing during adverse weather conditions due to the weight of debris, snow, and ice pushing them against the abrasive textured pool deck, and existing protective padding solutions are unsightly and prone to ripping.
Innovation Solution
A J-shaped clip system is used to securely attach a flexible protective substrate layer under the pool cover, utilizing adhesive and pressure point ribs for friction fit, to prevent abrasions and tearing, with the substrate layer being removable and replaceable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thin flexible protective substrate layer is provided under the pool cover to prevent abrasions, then the pool cover is protected from tearing, but the substrate becomes unsightly with punctured holes and is prone to ripping itself
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into separate components: a protective substrate layer and a J-shaped clip attachment mechanism. The clips are inserted through holes in the substrate and engage with the pool cover, segmenting the function between the substrate (providing protection) and the clips (providing secure attachment and aesthetic coverage of holes).
Solution Approach 2:
The J-shaped clips act as intermediaries between the protective substrate layer and the pool cover. They attach to the substrate through adhesive on their flat base and engage with the pool cover through their curved portion, thereby securing the substrate without requiring the substrate itself to be directly attached to the cover, which would create visible holes in the substrate.
2Reliability
If the protective substrate is securely attached to prevent movement, then abrasion protection is maintained, but the attachment method creates visible punctured holes in the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The J-shaped clips serve as intermediaries that attach to the substrate through adhesive while engaging with the pool cover through their curved portion. This allows secure attachment without creating visible holes in the substrate, as the clips themselves cover the attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The clips are colored to match the pool cover, making them visually inconspicuous. This aesthetic consideration ensures that the attachment mechanism does not detract from the overall appearance of the pool cover system.
3Reliability
If the protective substrate is permanently attached to the pool cover, then continuous protection is ensured, but the system becomes difficult to remove and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed to be dynamic rather than permanent. The clips can be easily detached from both the substrate and the pool cover, allowing the protective layer to be removed and replaced as needed. This is achieved through the simple engagement mechanism of the clips that can be opened and closed without special tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system is segmented into removable components (clips and substrate) rather than being permanently bonded. This segmentation allows the substrate to be detached and replaced independently of the pool cover, facilitating maintenance and replacement without removing the entire pool cover system.
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 effectively prevents abrasions and tearing of the pool cover by securing the protective substrate layer in place, ensuring durability and ease of installation and replacement, while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The flat based portion (2) includes an adhesive section (6) to which the thin but durable padding flexible substrate layer (20) is attached.
Implementation Method 2
The rearward extending curve (3) of the head (7) of the J-shaped clip (1) is non-adhesive and has pressure point ribs (5) on the upper and lower surfaces (8, 9) of the hollow cavity (4), so that the distal edges (31) of the reinforced perimeter framing material (32) of an actual swimming pool cover (30) fit by friction fit force within the hollow cavity (4) of the rearward extending curve (3) of the head (7) of the J-shaped clip (1).
Data Source
AI summary
A J-shaped clip attaches a thin flexible protective substrate layer under a conventional fabric pool cover, to protect the pool cover from abrasions and related ripping of the pool cover, caused by wintry weather and weight of debris, leaves, rain, snow, and ice. The J-shaped clip has a flat adhesive section to which the thin but durable padding flexible substrate is attached. The rearward extending curve of the head of the clip is non-adhesive and has pressure point ribs, so that the distal edges of the actual swimming pool cover fit by friction fit force with that rearward extending curve of the head of the J-shaped clip. Multiple clips are attached to the outer edge framing of the pool cover about every 4 or 6 feet and they are applied along the entire 4-sided perimeter of the pool, until equally distributed about the entire perimeter of the fabric pool cover.