Modular Precast Pool Assembly Using Segmented Concrete Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional concrete swimming pool construction is time-consuming and costly, often requiring a crane for installation, which is not feasible in all locations due to weight and access issues, limiting the size and complexity of pools that can be installed.

Innovation Solution

A modular swimming pool system comprising precast base and riser units made of concrete, allowing for piecewise assembly without a crane, with internal structures like benches and steps, and precast panels with applied stone veneer, enabling larger pool installations and reduced labor and material costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional concrete pool construction is used, then structural strength is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pool structure is divided into multiple precast concrete segments including base units, riser units, and internal structure units. Each segment is manufactured separately with controlled curing conditions, then transported and assembled on-site using simple joining materials, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

All structural concrete elements are precast in advance at a manufacturing facility where optimal curing conditions can be controlled. This preliminary action ensures full structural strength is achieved before installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site concrete pouring and curing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If traditional concrete pool construction is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidlabor costs

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the pool into precast units, the complex labor-intensive on-site concrete work is replaced with simpler assembly operations. The precasting is done in a controlled factory environment with optimized labor utilization, while on-site installation requires minimal labor using simple joining materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex mechanical system of on-site concrete forming, reinforcing, pouring, and curing is replaced with a simplified system of precast unit assembly using joining materials. This substitution dramatically reduces the skill level and number of workers required while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of stationary object

If large pool sizes are desired, then more concrete and materials are needed, but transportation and installation become infeasible without cranes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepool sizeVSAvoidinstallation feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pool is segmented into multiple manageable precast units that can be transported using standard equipment. These units are then assembled on-site using simple joining materials that do not require crane installation, enabling large pool sizes to be constructed without specialized heavy equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pool structure is divided into horizontal layers (base units, riser units) that can be assembled sequentially. This dimensional approach allows large volumes to be constructed by stacking manageable components rather than transporting and installing a single massive structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If custom internal structures like benches and steps are added, then pool functionality is enhanced, but construction complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepool functionalityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Internal structures such as benches and steps are separated into distinct precast units with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation allows these functional elements to be manufactured independently and assembled like building blocks, enhancing pool functionality without increasing construction complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The precast unit design incorporates universal joining mechanisms that can accommodate various internal structure configurations. The same base units and joining materials can support different arrangements of benches, steps, and other internal features, allowing customization without proportionally increasing construction complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11781332B2Modular pool

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 PLUNGE POOL CONCEPTS INC

AI summary

A modular swimming pool includes a precast base unit and a precast riser unit that can be assembled at an installation site to define an interior volume in which a human can swim. The precast riser unit is secured to the base unit. The upper surface of the precast base unit and at least one internal surface of the precast riser unit define the interior volume of the modular pool when the precast base unit and the precast riser unit are secured together. A modular swimming pool assembly is also provided. A method of assembling a modular swimming pool is also provided.