In-situ Swimming Pool Layering with Acrylic Resin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for constructing artificial basins and swimming pools that mimic natural environments face issues with waterproofing, leading to algae formation, stagnation of water, and degradation of materials, which compromises both aesthetics and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the sequential application of layers including a non-woven fabric, a calcareous-siliceous binding agent mixture with acrylic resin, silica fibers, and silicone-based additives to create a water-repellent surface that prevents impregnation and maintains mechanical properties, combined with structural meshes for enhanced strength and impermeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lower impermeable sheath is placed to constitute the water containment layer, then water containment function is improved, but water stagnation and algae formation occur in the structural and decorative layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater containment functionVSAvoidwater stagnation and algae formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional waterproofing approach by making the upper decorative layers themselves water-repellent rather than relying on a lower impermeable sheath. The acrylic resin treatment applied to the porous decorative layers creates a water-repellent surface that prevents water from penetrating and stagnating within the layers, thereby eliminating algae formation while maintaining water containment through the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining porous decorative materials (concrete, stone, ceramic) with acrylic resin to create water-repellent composite layers. This composite structure maintains the aesthetic and structural properties of the decorative materials while the acrylic resin component provides water repellency, preventing water stagnation and algae formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If periodic draining and washing is performed, then cleaning is improved, but water pockets inside structural layers cannot be eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidwater pocket elimination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by treating the decorative layers with acrylic resin during construction to create a water-repellent surface before the basin is put into use. This preventive measure ensures that water cannot penetrate and form pockets within the layers, eliminating the need for subsequent cleaning operations to remove water from inaccessible areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If prolonged impregnation occurs in structural layers, then water containment is improved, but mechanical properties and elasticity degrade

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater containmentVSAvoidmechanical properties and elasticity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the approach by applying water-repellent treatment to the upper decorative layers rather than relying on prolonged impregnation of structural layers. This prevents water from penetrating deep into the structure, thereby maintaining mechanical properties and elasticity while still achieving effective water containment through the water-repellent surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the water-repellent acrylic resin treatment specifically on the decorative layers that are in contact with water, rather than impregnating the entire structural system. This localized treatment provides water containment where needed while preserving the mechanical properties of the underlying structural layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If cracks form in impregnated layers, then water containment may be compromised, but sharp edges are created that endanger users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater containment functionalityVSAvoidsharp edges and safety hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by creating a water-repellent surface treatment on the decorative layers during construction, before any cracking can occur. This acrylic resin coating not only provides water containment but also creates a flexible, adherent layer that prevents crack formation and eliminates sharp edges, thereby addressing both water containment and safety concerns simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The acrylic resin treatment acts as a beforehand cushioning layer that absorbs stress and prevents crack propagation in the decorative layers. This protective layer maintains water containment functionality while preventing the formation of sharp edges that could endanger users, effectively cushioning against both water leakage and safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The method results in artificial basins and swimming pools that are resistant to algae formation, maintain their mechanical properties, and have a natural appearance, ensuring long-term functionality and aesthetic preservation without the need for preliminary concrete castings.

Implementation Method 1

adapted to render said second layer suitable for the optimum adhesion of additional layers for covering it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

providing artificial basins, swimming pools, and the like with water-repellent surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

a mixture of water, calcareous-siliceous binding agent, sand with low particle size value, and acrylic resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBinding: Binder

Data Source

PatentEP3388598B1Method for providing a cast in situ swimming pool
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 CASADIO
  • EP3388598B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3388598B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3388598B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method for providing artificial basins, swimming pools, and the like, which consists in excavating (2) the basin; arranging on the entire surface of the basin, a first layer (4) of non-woven fabric; arranging the equipment (5) and the piping (6) for feeding and draining water on the first layer (4); distributing on the first layer (4) a second layer (7) constituted by a mixture of water, calcareous-siliceous binding agent, sand with low particle size value, and acrylic resin; distributing a third layer (8), which is at least partially impermeable; after the consolidation of the third layer (8), shaping the surface thereof with abrasive tools and instruments; spreading at least one fourth layer (9, 10); spreading a fifth at least partially waterproof layer (11).