Plastic T-Shaped Pool Frame Joint With Smaller Liner Openings
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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 aesthetics and water retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal T-shaped joints are used, then the joint provides sufficient strength, but it is susceptible to galling and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic (specifically polyethylene or polypropylene), which fundamentally alters 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 material's inherent properties and design optimizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs plastic (polyethylene or polypropylene) as a composite material solution that combines corrosion resistance with structural integrity. The plastic material inherently resists water and chemical corrosion while the T-shaped joint design incorporates reinforcement features to maintain strength despite using non-metallic material.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing wide T-shaped joints are used, then the joint provides sufficient structural stability, but it requires wide holes in pool liners impacting appearance and water containment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the T-shaped joint into distinct functional zones: the coupling portions that interface with frame members and the vertical portion that passes through the liner. By optimizing the geometry of each segment, the joint achieves structural stability through the coupling mechanisms while minimizing the cross-sectional area of the vertical portion that penetrates the liner, thus reducing hole size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric qualities to different parts of the joint. The horizontal coupling portions are designed with adequate width and reinforcement for structural stability, while the vertical portion is minimized in width specifically at the liner penetration area. This local optimization allows the joint to maintain overall structural integrity while minimizing the impact on the pool liner hole size.
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.