Modular Pool Structure Interlocking Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular self-supporting structures for swimming pools are inefficient and costly to assemble, particularly for geometric shapes like rectangles, requiring numerous struts and skilled labor, with complex assembly processes that are time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A modular construction method using straight panels and corner posts with complementary interlocking shapes for vertical assembly, combined with oblique reinforcement struts and height adjustment devices, allowing for quick and easy assembly without specialized skills, and enabling customizable pool designs with reduced parts and installation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If horizontally corrugated sheets with struts are used to create free-form pools, then the pool can achieve customizable free-form shapes, but the assembly time and cost increase significantly for geometric shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefree-form shape capabilityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pool structure is divided into modular panels with standardized connections. Each panel is a self-contained unit that can be quickly assembled with others through simple interlocking mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex strut assemblies while maintaining geometric shape capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using curved corrugated sheets to achieve free-form shapes, the invention inverts the approach by using straight panels with precise geometric connections to create both geometric and free-form shapes, making assembly faster and more efficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If rigid metal panels are assembled by bolting stiffeners back to back, then the structure achieves high strength, but the assembly process becomes tedious and expensive requiring skilled workers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel connection strengthVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The panels are designed with self-aligning features and self-securing mechanisms that allow workers to assemble the structure without specialized skills. The connection system automatically ensures proper positioning and secure attachment, eliminating the need for controlled tightening forces and skilled labor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A simplified connection element acts as an intermediary between panels, replacing the complex back-to-back stiffener bolting system. This intermediary component facilitates easy assembly while maintaining structural strength through its designed geometry and attachment mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If assembly profiles are fitted vertically from top to bottom of panels, then the panels can be connected without bolting, but the assembly process becomes laborious and risky due to panel height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebolting eliminationVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of fitting assembly profiles from top to bottom, the invention inverts the approach by using horizontal connections at panel joints or interlocking features that engage panels side-by-side. This eliminates the need for workers to reach high vertical positions, making assembly safer and easier while still achieving secure panel connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of manufacture

If locking wedges are inserted by force into protruding tabs, then the panels can be assembled by snapping, but the process becomes very time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-locking capabilityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the time-consuming force insertion step by designing a connection system where locking features engage automatically through simple panel alignment and connection. The self-locking capability is achieved without requiring forceful wedge insertion, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining the self-locking benefit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4417771A1Method for constructing a modular self-supporting structure for creating a pool such as a swimming pool, construction kit and resulting pool

Publication Date: 2024.08.21 PISCINES WATERAIR

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for constructing a self-supporting structure (200) to create a basin (2) such as a swimming pool. The self-supporting structure is built from a kit of prefabricated parts comprising straight panels (10) of identical or different widths, corner posts (20, 21, 22) of identical or different shapes, struts (30), height adjustment devices (50), and edge profiles (40). The panels and corner posts are assembled side by side, without tools, by a simple vertical interlocking of tongues and perforations of complementary shapes. The resulting joints (J) are free of play in the horizontal axes and each is locked by a strut (30) that extends partially under the panels inside the perimeter of the basin. The panels also include horizontal stiffeners, the number and distribution of which vary according to requirements.The self-supporting structure is modular and allows for customization of the shape and location of a pool.