Magnetic Pool Cover Locking Mechanism for Water Level Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cover locking devices fail to adapt to varying water levels due to evaporation and require manual operation, posing risks during accidental falls and complicating pool maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic locking device with complementary magnetic means on the pool wall and cover, allowing automatic locking and unlocking without manual intervention, ensuring the cover remains secure across different water levels and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tab or rod locking device is used to hold the last slat of the cover in position, then the cover can be locked in the deployed position, but the device cannot adapt to variations in water line level due to evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical tab or rod locking system with a magnetic locking system. The magnetic means can flexibly adapt to varying water levels while maintaining reliable locking through magnetic attraction force, eliminating the need for mechanical contact that requires precise alignment with the water line.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locking system changes the locking parameter from mechanical position (tab/rod insertion depth) to magnetic field interaction. This allows the locking mechanism to adapt to different water levels by simply adjusting the position of the magnetic means on the cover, while the magnetic attraction force remains effective across a range of positions.
2Ease of manufacture
If a tab or rod locking device is used, then the cover can be locked, but it requires equipping the cover with a specific extremal blade and screwing elements to the pool walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the cover structure itself and places it on the pool wall side through magnetic means. This eliminates the need for complex extremal blades and screwing elements on the cover, simplifying both the cover design and installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic means acts as an intermediary between the cover and the pool wall, providing the locking function without requiring direct mechanical connection or modification of the cover structure. This intermediary approach simplifies the cover design while maintaining effective locking.
3Extent of automation
If a traditional locking device is used, then the cover can be locked, but manual actuation is required to open the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking system provides automatic locking when the cover is in the deployed position, and the magnetic force can be easily canceled or adjusted by the user without complex manual actuation mechanisms. The system essentially locks itself through magnetic attraction when conditions are right.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locking system allows dynamic adjustment of the locking state. The magnetic force can be easily modulated or canceled by the user through simple actions, enabling smooth transition between locked and unlocked states without rigid mechanical actuation mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic means are used on the pool cover to adhere to metal walls, then automatic locking is achieved, but the basin structure must be made of metallic material with adequate magnetic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking system is designed to work with various pool wall materials by using magnetic means that can detect and adhere to different surfaces. The system provides universal compatibility across different pool constructions while maintaining effective locking functionality.
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 magnetic locking device provides secure, automatic operation of the pool cover, adapting to water level changes and ensuring safety without manual operation, facilitating easy maintenance and installation on various pool configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an attractive magnetic force is exerted between the two magnetic means when they are arranged facing each other, such a magnetic force being capable of temporarily guaranteeing locking of the swimming pool cover in the deployed position
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking device in a deployed position of a pool cover (2) (3), said cover (2) being movable between said deployed position in which it covers the water (4) of the pool (3) and a retracted position allowing access to said pool (3), said locking device being characterized in that it comprises at least two complementary magnetic means, a first magnetic means (5) present at a wall (7) of said pool (3), and a second magnetic means (6) arranged at an extremity portion of said cover (2), and in that an attractive magnetic force is exerted between the two magnetic means (5) and (6) when they are arranged opposite each other, said magnetic force being capable of temporarily ensuring the locking of the pool cover (3) in said deployed position,said device comprising means for canceling the magnetic force to allow the return of said cover (2) to the retracted position.