Modular Floating Race Course System for Customizable Pool Layouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control boat racing courses are either too small for larger and faster boats or too large and costly for home use, and there is a need for a system to convert existing swimming pools into customizable race tracks.

Innovation Solution

A race course system using the exterior walls of a swimming pool as the external boundary and a plurality of floating devices with anchoring devices to create customizable internal boundaries, allowing for various configurations such as oval, figure-eight, and road course layouts, using magnetic, carabiner, or hook-and-loop attachment methods for easy connection and disconnection of the floating devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed race course structures are used, then the course is stable and durable, but it is expensive and not suitable for home use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizability of race courseVSAvoidcomplexity of course structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The race course is divided into multiple modular floating devices that can be independently positioned and connected. Each floating device serves as a discrete unit that can be strategically placed within the pool to create different course configurations, allowing customization without requiring a complete custom-built structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The floating devices provide dynamic adjustability, allowing the race course configuration to be changed by moving, adding, or removing floating devices. This enables the same basic components to create multiple different course layouts (oval, figure-eight, road course) without requiring fixed installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If professionally manufactured boat racing structures are used, then the course is large and suitable for bigger boats, but it is too costly and complex for home use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of race courseVSAvoidease of setup and configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The floating devices serve multiple functions: they define course boundaries, provide anchoring points, and can be connected in various configurations to create different course types. This multi-functionality allows a single set of components to replace multiple specialized structures, reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The floating devices are self-anchoring through buoyancy and can be easily positioned by users without requiring professional installation. The attachment members allow users to connect and configure the course themselves, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing and professional assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixedly attached course boundaries are used, then the course structure is stable, but it cannot be reconfigured for different race layouts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfigurability of course layoutVSAvoidstability of floating devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Attachment members are pre-installed on the floating devices, allowing for quick connection and disconnection without requiring complex assembly procedures. This preliminary preparation enables rapid reconfiguration while maintaining stable connections during each race event.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with simpler attachment mechanisms that provide sufficient stability for racing conditions while enabling easy reconfiguration. The floating devices use straightforward connection methods rather than complex mechanical joint systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

Enables the creation of large-scale, customizable remote control boat racing courses within existing swimming pools, allowing for various layouts without requiring users to enter the pool and accommodating different pool depths, making it suitable for both larger boats and home use.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality floating devices with an anchoring device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

adjustable length anchor tether attached to the bottom of a number of the floating devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

anchor tether

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS10434430B2Remote control boat pool race course float system and method

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 MAHANES JUSTIN

AI summary

The present disclosure pertains to a race course system for remote controlled boat racing where the outer boundary of the race course is comprised of the exterior walls of a swimming pool enclosure and the internals walls of the race course is comprised of floating devices with connection point for interconnecting the floats and an anchoring device and adjustable length anchor tether attached to the bottom of a number of the floating devices. The floating devices can be attached to each other in various configurations to create various different race course layouts, such as an oval course, a figure “eight” course, or even an intricate “road course” configurations.