Plastic T-Joint Structure for Corrosion-Resistant Pool Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing T-shaped joints in above ground pool frames are prone to galling and corrosion, and are relatively wide, requiring larger holes or gaps in pool liners, which affects the pool's appearance and water containment.
Innovation Solution
A T-shaped joint constructed of plastic with a minimized size, where the vertical joint portion accounts for at least 50% of the width between the horizontal joint portions, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly while resisting corrosion and improving appearance and water containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If T-shaped joints are constructed of metal, then strength and durability are improved, but galling and corrosion occur especially when protective coating becomes worn or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic (specifically polyethylene or polypropylene), fundamentally altering the chemical and physical properties of the joint. This material substitution eliminates the electrochemical corrosion and galling issues inherent to metal while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength through the plastic's inherent properties and design features.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint employs a composite structure combining plastic material with integrated metal inserts or reinforcement elements. This allows the primary plastic body to resist corrosion while embedded metal components provide enhanced strength and rigidity where needed, creating a hybrid solution that addresses both requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If T-shaped joints are made relatively wide to ensure structural stability, then joint stability is improved, but larger holes or gaps are required in pool liners which impacts appearance and water containment
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into distinct functional segments: horizontal connection portions for attaching to pool wall pipes and a vertical portion for attaching to the floor pipe. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently, with the vertical portion minimized in width to reduce liner hole size while horizontal portions maintain adequate dimensions for stable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the joint have different dimensional characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The vertical joint portion has minimal width to reduce liner penetration requirements, while the horizontal connection areas have sufficient size for robust pipe attachments. This local optimization of dimensions addresses both stability and appearance concerns.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame pool is disclosed including a frame assembly and a pool liner, the frame assembly including horizontal frame members and a vertical frame member coupled together via a T-shaped joint. The T-shaped joint may be constructed of plastic to facilitate attachment and detachment to the adjacent frame members and to resist galling and corrosion. The T-shaped joint may also be relatively small to improve the appearance and water containment of the frame pool.