Modular Pool Cover Track with Resilient Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool and pond cover systems fail to provide a reliable, airtight and watertight seal, leading to water collection and difficulty in removal, and often require custom manufacturing for different sizes and shapes, with issues of sunlight penetration and precipitation accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A modular removable covering system featuring a track assembly with resilient bottom seals and a top seal mechanism that creates a tight seal between a flexible impervious sheet and the track, allowing for easy installation on various pool or pond sizes and shapes, and easy storage, while preventing water accumulation and insect entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tarpaulin cover is tied down to bolts along the perimeter of the pool, then the cover can be secured to the pool, but water can collect on the tarpaulin and the seal is not airtight or watertight
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is divided into modular segments that can be assembled around the pool perimeter, allowing for flexible installation while maintaining a consistent sealing mechanism throughout. Each track segment contains integrated sealing components that work together to create the airtight and watertight barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient bottom seal acts as an intermediary element between the track assembly and the pool deck, filling gaps and creating the airtight and watertight seal. The seal's flexibility allows it to conform to irregular surfaces while maintaining the barrier integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If tracks are fixed on the deck to receive the entire perimeter of the pool cover, then openings are reduced for insect and pollutant entry, but water still collects on top of the cover and removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing functions are merged into the track assembly itself rather than being separate components. The resilient bottom seal is integrated into the track structure, and the top seal works in conjunction with the track's narrow opening to create the airtight and watertight barrier, eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient bottom seal uses flexible material that can deform to fit between the track and deck, creating an effective seal despite manufacturing tolerances and surface irregularities. This flexibility allows the seal to maintain contact and block harmful factors while still permitting easy cover removal.
3Reliability
If the cover is custom manufactured to connect with tracks, then the seal is improved, but the system loses versatility for different pool sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is divided into modular segments that can be assembled in various configurations to match different pool perimeters. This segmentation allows the same standardized components to adapt to any pool size or shape while maintaining consistent sealing performance through the integrated resilient bottom seal mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The track assembly design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cover, creates the airtight and watertight seal through the resilient bottom seal, and adapts to various pool configurations through modular assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for custom manufacturing while maintaining seal integrity.
4Loss of energy
If the center of the tarpaulin is supported at higher elevation, then rain runoff is improved, but water still collects over time and the cover may collapse into the pool
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated center support system automatically directs rain runoff off the cover without requiring active intervention. The geometry of the support structure creates a self-draining surface that uses gravity to move water away from the pool, preventing accumulation and potential collapse.
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 ensures an airtight and watertight seal, prevents water runoff from collecting on the cover, and allows for easy installation and storage, addressing the limitations of previous designs by providing a versatile and effective solution for various pool and pond configurations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient bottom seal located between the track and the deck
Implementation Method 2
the sheet and at least a portion of the top seal strip are inserted into the cavity creating a seal between the sheet and the track
Data Source
AI summary
A modular removable covering and barrier system. In one embodiment, a removable pool or pond covering system includes a track assembly installed on a deck along the perimeter of a pool, a sheet of plastic or other suitable material spanning the area enclosed by the track assembly, a bottom seal between the track assembly and the deck, and a top seal between the track system and the sheet of plastic. The track assembly may be modular such that the track assembly can be installed on any size and shape of pool or pond and can be easily stored when not in use.