Nested Drop-In Stair System for Irregular Pool Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drop-in stair systems for in-ground vinyl liner swimming pools face challenges in achieving a precise fit due to bowed walls and angular irregularities, particularly during renovations, as they require precise measurements and standard-length step sections.
Innovation Solution
A width-adjustable drop-in stair system comprising first and second drop-in step components that can be nested and secured to accommodate varying sidewall distances, allowing for static attachment and customization of stair step width dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard-length step sections are used in conventional drop-in stair systems, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but the system cannot accommodate varying sidewall distances caused by bowed walls and angular irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The stair system is divided into multiple modular step sections that can be independently adjusted. Each step section includes adjustable components that can be segmented and reconfigured to accommodate varying sidewall distances, allowing the system to adapt to bowed walls and angular irregularities while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The step sections incorporate adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration during installation. The adjustable step sections can be modified in the field to match actual sidewall dimensions, transforming a static standard-length system into a dynamic adaptive system that achieves precise fit without requiring high manufacturing precision for each specific installation scenario.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise measurements are taken to ensure proper fit of standard step sections, then installation accuracy is improved, but the installation process becomes more complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-configured modular step sections with built-in adjustment mechanisms that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of standardized components with integrated adjustment capabilities eliminates the need for complex on-site measurements and calculations, allowing installers to simply assemble and adjust the pre-prepared modules to achieve accurate fit quickly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional standard-length step sections are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot be easily modified during pool renovations with irregular geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The stair system is segmented into multiple independent, interchangeable step sections rather than a single fixed structure. This segmentation allows individual sections to be selected, adjusted, or replaced based on the specific renovation requirements and irregular geometries of the pool, providing customizability without requiring an entirely complex custom-designed system.
Data Source
AI summary
A width-adjustable drop-in stair system for an in-ground vinyl liner swimming pool includes a first and second drop-in step components having first and second lengths. The first and second drop-in step components are arranged as parts of a stair step that attaches to opposing sidewall panels of the swimming pool. The second drop-in step component is engaged in nested relationship with the first drop-in step component at a nesting overlap distance that is established to configure the stair step with a defined width dimension corresponding to a distance between the opposing sidewall panels to which the stair step is attached. The defined width dimension is less than the first and second lengths in total. The first and second drop-in step components are fastened together so as to be statically secured as parts of the stair step.