Modular PVC Swimming Support Structure for Adapted Aquatic Activities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aquatic environments, such as beaches and pools, lack a secure and stable structure for individuals with disabilities or those who are insecure in water to perform adapted swimming activities, as existing support options like floating devices or buoys do not provide sufficient static support or positioning flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, modular swimming support structure composed of interconnected PVC pipes forming inverted T-shaped supports, with adjustable transversal pipes for stability and comfort, allowing users to hold, sit, or lean, and featuring optional accessories like seats, flags, and illumination, designed for use in various water bodies with uniform floors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If floating devices or buoys are used for support, then portability and ease of deployment are improved, but static support stability and security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent vertical support elements (pipes or posts) distributed across the water surface. Each element provides localized support while the overall system maintains stability through distributed positioning, allowing the structure to remain stable while being easily deployed in modular sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional floating devices to a three-dimensional support structure with vertical elements extending above the water surface. This adds the vertical dimension for holding and leaning, while horizontal positioning provides stability, creating a multi-dimensional support system that overcomes the limitations of flat floating devices.
2Reliability
If pool border walls are used for support, then structural stability is improved, but positioning flexibility and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions: providing stable support like pool walls, but also enabling various positioning options throughout the water body. The modular design allows it to be used for holding, leaning, sitting, and positioning at different locations, making it universally applicable for adapted swimming activities regardless of water body type.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from fixed pool borders to a mobile, reconfigurable system that can be dynamically positioned and adjusted in various water bodies. The modular components can be assembled and repositioned to create different configurations, providing both stability and adaptability for diverse user needs and environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular pipe structure is implemented, then adaptability and positioning options are improved, but structural complexity and assembly requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into standardized modular components (vertical pipes, horizontal connectors, base elements) that can be independently manufactured and easily assembled. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual parts while enabling versatile configurations through simple combination of standard elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows adjustment of key parameters such as the number of vertical supports, their spacing, and heights to optimize for different user needs and water conditions. By standardizing connection interfaces, the system enables parameter changes without increasing assembly complexity, maintaining ease of configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a mobile structure that can be used in any water body having a relatively uniform floor and a calm surface (i.e., beach, lake or pool). This structure has multiple hold and leaning surfaces and/or elements that lie flush and below the water level providing people with disabilities and older people a solid support structure to hold, sit, stand or lean while performing adapted swimming activities.