Modular Splash Pad With Permeable Pallets and Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water parks and splash pads are impractical for smaller locations due to their large size and high cost, and they often require complex permanent installations that can be prone to clogging and safety hazards from slippery surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular, portable water park system featuring interlocking pallet assembly modules with a water permeable surface and a pumping station that recirculates water without the need for massive tanks or conventional drains, utilizing a shallow recession for water collection and featuring a non-slip surface to reduce the risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional water park structures are used, then entertainment value is improved, but size and cost increase making them impractical for smaller locations
Solution Approach 1:
The water park structure is divided into modular components including pallet assemblies with upper decks, bases, and water permeable layers that can be interconnected to form different configurations. This segmentation allows the system to provide entertainment value while adapting to smaller spaces by using only the necessary number of modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional splash pads to a three-dimensional structure with raised upper decks positioned above a base. This vertical dimensionality increase provides additional play areas and water features without proportionally increasing the ground footprint, making the structure suitable for smaller locations.
2Productivity
If conventional drainage structures are used, then water circulation is achieved, but clogging and blockage problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The upper deck incorporates a water permeable layer with porous characteristics that allows water to pass through while filtering out debris. This porous structure prevents clogging of drainage systems by capturing particles in the permeable layer itself, maintaining reliable water circulation without blockage issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The water permeable layer in the upper deck performs dual functions: it allows water circulation while simultaneously acting as a self-filtering mechanism. The structure serves itself by filtering debris before it reaches the drainage system, eliminating the need for additional filtering components and maintaining circulation reliability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional splash pad surfaces are used, then water play functionality is provided, but slippery surfaces create safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The upper deck surface is designed with differentiated local qualities: the water permeable layer provides water play functionality in specific areas while textured or elevated portions provide enhanced traction. This local variation in surface properties allows simultaneous achievement of water play functionality and slip resistance without compromising either aspect.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper deck incorporates curved or rounded edges and surfaces rather than sharp angles and flat planes. These curved geometries reduce slip hazards by eliminating sharp edges where water can pool, while maintaining water play functionality through controlled water flow paths along the curved surfaces.
4Stability of the object's composition
If permanent structural installations are used, then structural stability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into discrete pallet assembly modules that can be manufactured separately and then interconnected using standardized connection mechanisms. This segmentation simplifies installation by allowing modular assembly without complex permanent foundations, while the interlocking design maintains structural stability through distributed load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet assemblies are designed with movable or adjustable connection elements that allow for dynamic assembly and disassembly while maintaining stable configuration during use. This dynamic capability enables permanent-like stability during operation while preserving the ability to reconfigure or remove the structure when needed.
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 provides a cost-effective, safe, and efficient water park solution that can be easily assembled and disassembled, reducing the risk of clogging and slipping hazards while allowing for water circulation and recreation in smaller spaces without the need for extensive excavation or drainage systems.
Implementation Method 1
a water permeable layer positioned over the pallet assembly upper deck
Data Source
AI summary
A splash pad has a plurality of interlocking pallet assembly modules with each pallet assembly module having a supporting body and a water permeable layer and each water permeable layer connects to at least one adjacent water permeable layer to form a continuous water permeable walking surface. At least one tubular dispenser has at least one nozzle extending through the splash pad continuous water permeable walking surface. A pumping station has at least one pump and at least one water intake device. The splash pad, the tubular dispenser, and the pumping station inserts into a recession having water therein. The water intake device provides water from the recession to the at least one pump, so that the pump can drive water through the tubular dispenser to project through the nozzle onto the splash pad continuous water permeable walking surface.