Spa structural support assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spa support systems are aesthetically unpleasing, require complex and haphazard component containment, and necessitate removal for maintenance, with components like water lines and controllers often disorganized within the cabinet.
Innovation Solution
A modular structural support system comprising vertical supports with polygonal shapes, channel brackets with polygonal bosses and grooves, and spa panel retention members with projections, allowing for easy attachment and removal of spa panels and components, facilitating maintenance and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional wooden or metal frame with rigid panels is used to build a cabinet assembly, then the cabinet provides structural support and aesthetic appearance, but the cabinet must be removed for maintenance and components are contained in a haphazard manner
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet assembly is divided into modular components including vertical supports, horizontal supports, and panels that can be independently attached and detached. The vertical supports are segmented into multiple sections that can be collapsed together for compact storage and easy transport, while still providing full structural support when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical supports incorporate collapsible sections that can transition between extended and retracted states. This dynamic structure allows the cabinet to be easily disassembled for maintenance access and compactly stored when not in use, eliminating the need for permanent fixed structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cabinet assembly is built separate from the spa, then the spa can be placed within the cabinet, but the spa must be removed for maintenance and the cabinet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cabinet, enables easy spa installation and removal, and facilitates maintenance access. The universal vertical supports can accommodate different spa configurations and sizes, making the system adaptable to various needs
3Reliability
If components like water lines and controllers are contained within the cabinet, then they are protected, but they are arranged in a haphazard manner making maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Components are organized into designated compartments and mounting locations within the modular cabinet structure. Water lines, controllers, and other components have specific designated spaces that maintain organization while allowing easy access for maintenance, eliminating the haphazard arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting the structure of a spa may include vertical supports, channel brackets that mate with vertical supports, and exterior brackets that mate with the channel brackets to hold spa exterior panels in place. The vertical supports may be formed of a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and second portion formed of contiguous hexagons having one open side. The first portion may be open on a first side, with the second portion open on a second side. The open sides of the hexagons may create a space or pocket to allow for additional structures, such as brackets, to mate with the hexagons of the vertical support. A channel bracket may include a hexagonal boss to mate with a vertical support, as well as a channel for receiving a projection of an exterior bracket to hold a spa side panel in place.