Oblong Cell Pool Cover Asymmetry Junction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bubble covers for swimming pools have a low cell-to-junction surface ratio, which compromises thermal insulation and buoyancy due to the significant surface area occupied by junction zones compared to cells.
Innovation Solution
The design features a sheet material with oblong cells arranged in rows, where the cells have rectilinear longitudinal edges that are aligned closely, reducing the surface area occupied by junction zones and increasing the cell-to-weld ratio by nesting rows and optimizing the distribution pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional bubble covers use circular or hexagonal cells arranged in a regular pattern, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the cell-to-junction surface ratio is low, reducing thermal insulation and buoyancy performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using oblong cells with rectilinear longitudinal edges instead of symmetric circular or hexagonal cells. This asymmetric shape allows the cells to be arranged in rows where the longitudinal edges are closely aligned, reducing the width of junction zones between cells and improving the cell-to-junction surface ratio, thereby enhancing thermal insulation performance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional circular or hexagonal cell patterns to a more optimized arrangement in the longitudinal dimension by using oblong cells with rectilinear edges. This dimensional change allows cells to be nested in rows with minimal spacing between longitudinal edges, effectively reducing junction zone surface area and improving overall thermal insulation efficiency
2Ease of manufacture
If circular cells are used with regular hexagonal distribution pattern, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the junction zones occupy significant surface area, reducing the cell surface to junction surface ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces symmetric circular cells with asymmetric oblong cells featuring rectilinear longitudinal edges. This asymmetric geometry enables the cells to be positioned in rows with their longitudinal edges closely aligned, significantly reducing the width of junction zones between adjacent cells and thereby increasing the cell surface to junction surface ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the cell geometry from curved circular boundaries to straight rectilinear longitudinal edges. This change from curved to straight edges allows for more efficient packing in rows with minimal spacing, reducing the relative area of junction zones and improving the overall cell-to-junction surface ratio
3Device complexity
If regular hexagonal cell distribution is used, then the structural pattern is simple, but the junction zones contribute little to thermal insulation while occupying considerable surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric oblong cell shapes with rectilinear longitudinal edges to replace the symmetric hexagonal pattern. This asymmetric design allows cells to be arranged in rows with minimal spacing between longitudinal edges, reducing junction zone area and minimizing the energy loss associated with poor thermal insulation, while the row-based arrangement maintains relative pattern simplicity
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
This configuration enhances the thermal insulation and buoyancy of the bubble cover by minimizing the surface area of junction zones while maximizing the surface area of cells, leading to improved performance in terms of thermal insulation and buoyancy.
Implementation Method 1
Bubble covers are particularly appreciated for their ability to thermally insulate the water in the pool
Implementation Method 2
Each cell is made up of a sealed chamber, in which air is trapped
Data Source
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AI summary
A sheet material comprises a plurality of convex cells (13), arranged in a lattice with a plurality of rows (39). The cells in at least one of these rows are oblong (13) and each has a basic contour (15) with two generally straight longitudinal edges (17). In this row (39), the oblong cells (13) are aligned with each other, while the longitudinal edges (17) of the basic contour (15) of mutually adjacent oblong cells (13) are always close to each other. The row 39 in question is nested within at least one adjacent row of the lattice. A pool cover comprising at least one piece of this material.