Swimming Pool Access Chamber for Motor Disability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional swimming pools, both in-ground and off-ground, pose accessibility challenges for users with motor disabilities, as they require cumbersome lifting systems for entry and exit, limiting their ability to engage in rehabilitation activities.
Innovation Solution
An off-ground swimming pool design featuring a small, selectively fillable and emptiable access chamber that communicates with the main pool, using a watertight bulkhead to control water flow, allowing users with impaired mobility to comfortably enter and exit without lifting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional concrete steps or metal ladders are used for pool access, then the pool structure is simple and aesthetic, but users with motor disabilities cannot access the pool
Solution Approach 1:
The pool access system is segmented into a separate access chamber that can be independently filled and emptied. This chamber is distinct from the main pool but communicates with it through a passage section, allowing disabled users to enter the pool independently without requiring complex lifting mechanisms in the main pool structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The access chamber acts as an intermediary between the ground level and the main pool. Users with disabilities enter the access chamber at ground level, and when the chamber is filled with water, they are transferred to the main pool through the passage section. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for direct lifting systems.
2Ease of operation
If a crane with sling is installed to assist disabled users, then accessibility is improved, but the system becomes anti-aesthetic and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the access function into a dedicated access chamber, the main pool retains its clean aesthetic appearance without visible cranes, slings, or other cumbersome lifting equipment. The access chamber can be designed as a discrete structure that blends with the overall pool design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting function is extracted from the main pool structure and relocated to the access chamber. The chamber itself performs the lifting function through water filling and emptying, eliminating the need for visible mechanical lifting devices in the main pool area.
3Loss of time
If the access chamber is filled with water instantly using communicating vessels principle, then filling time is reduced, but uncontrolled water flow may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The watertight bulkhead is positioned in advance to control water flow. When the access chamber needs to be filled, the bulkhead is moved to allow water flow; when filling is complete or if emergency occurs, the bulkhead can be quickly positioned to stop flow. This preliminary positioning mechanism enables both rapid filling and reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The watertight bulkhead acts as an intermediary control element between the main pool and access chamber. It mediates water flow by being movable between positions that allow or prevent communication between the two chambers, providing both rapid filling capability and flow control.
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
Enables users with mobility issues to access and exit the pool independently, enhancing their ability to participate in water-based rehabilitation by providing a safe and aesthetically pleasing solution.
Implementation Method 1
the pumping system, which forcedly and suddenly conveys the water contained in said chamber (2) towards the main pool (1)
Implementation Method 2
activating a hydraulic insulation between the access chamber and the main pool by means of a watertight bulkhead that entirely occupies a passage section comprised between the main pool and the access chamber
Implementation Method 3
the water from the main pool is instantaneously poured into the access chamber because of the physical principle of communicating vessels until it is completely filled
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Swimming pool with dry access for users with motor disability, comprising a main pool provided with a passage section that puts it into communication with an adjacent separate chamber, which can be alternately flooded and dried and is provided with a watertight door that puts it into communication with the external area of the swimming pool.