One-Piece Molded Elastomeric Pool Cover Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool cover springs made of metallic bent wire cause tripping hazards and physical marring damage to pool decks, and are expensive.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece molded pool cover spring with a low profile, made from elastomeric materials like gum rubber or silicone, featuring a d-ring connector and transverse slots for strap attachment, which is inexpensive and can be made to glow in the dark to prevent tripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic bent wire springs are used, then the spring mechanism is effective, but they cause physical marring damage to the pool deck and tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive metallic bent wire springs with inexpensive molded polymer springs that can be easily replaced if needed. The polymer springs provide sufficient functionality without the durability concerns of metal, eliminating the need for expensive metal components while maintaining spring functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible molded polymer springs instead of rigid metal wires. The polymer material provides the necessary flexibility and elasticity to function as a spring mechanism while being soft enough to avoid damaging the pool deck surface and reducing tripping hazards due to their compliant nature.
2Reliability
If metallic bent wire springs are used, then the spring function is achieved, but they are expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to molded polymer, fundamentally altering the manufacturing approach. This allows the spring to be produced through injection molding or similar processes, which are more cost-effective for mass production compared to the specialized fabrication required for bent wire metal springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite or blended polymer materials that can incorporate glow-in-the-dark properties or other functional additives while maintaining the spring's mechanical functionality. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing with enhanced features that would be expensive or impossible to achieve with metal.
3Strength
If the spring body is made solid, then strength is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spring body into regions of varying density, with solid or reinforced sections at critical stress points (ends and attachment areas) and lighter, potentially hollow or ribbed sections in the mid-section. This segmentation provides necessary strength where required while reducing overall material consumption in less critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the spring body. The ends and attachment points have higher density and structural reinforcement for strength, while the mid-section may have reduced material content through hollow chambers or ribbed structures, optimizing the strength-to-material ratio.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, non-damaging pool cover spring that minimizes tripping hazards and environmental exposure, while maintaining effective tensioning for pool cover security.
Implementation Method 1
a spring body that has a first end, second end, and mid-section between the first and second ends... The spring body is a one piece molded body
Data Source
AI summary
A pool cover spring includes a one piece molded spring body having a narrowed midsection, an end with a connector for attaching to a pool deck anchor and another end with slots for receiving a strap of a pool cover.