Pool Cover Anchor Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pool cover anchors can pull out of the deck, causing safety risks and damage, as they concentrate the weight and tension of the pool cover on a single deck board, and require permanent installation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part mechanical fastener system that secures pool covers to deck boards without penetrating the deck, distributing the load between two adjacent boards using a flat metal piece with holes, a round metal post, and U-shaped clamps or wing nuts, allowing for easy installation and removal without damaging the deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchors are drilled and screwed into the deck, then the pool cover can be securely anchored, but the anchors can pull out of the decking and cause safety risks and deck damage
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is divided into multiple components: a base plate that distributes load across multiple deck boards, anchor bolts that penetrate only partially, and independent fastening points. This segmentation prevents any single point from bearing excessive stress that would cause pull-out or deck damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate distributes the anchor load from a single-point vertical force into a multi-point distributed force across the deck surface. By expanding the load distribution area horizontally across multiple deck boards, the system reduces the stress concentration that causes traditional anchors to pull out or damage the deck.
2Reliability
If anchors are permanently installed in the deck, then the pool cover can be securely fastened, but the installation is time-consuming and requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is pre-positioned on the deck surface to establish the correct anchor locations before any fastening occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate placement without requiring complex measurement and positioning during the actual anchor installation, reducing installation time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves multiple functions: it distributes load, positions anchors, and provides a mounting surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning fixtures or complex installation procedures, streamlining the installation process while ensuring reliable anchor placement.
3Device complexity
If all the force from the pool cover weight and tension is concentrated on a single board, then the anchor can be simpler, but the board and screws are subjected to excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission path is segmented into multiple load-bearing points across several deck boards. Instead of a single board carrying the entire anchor load, the base plate distributes this load to multiple boards, reducing the stress on each individual board and screw connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The load distribution is transformed from a single-point vertical load into a distributed area load across multiple deck boards. By spreading the force horizontally across the deck surface, the system reduces the vertical stress concentration on any single board-screw assembly, preventing failure without complicating the anchor structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A pool cover anchor system, for use on deck boards surrounding the pool, includes first and second anchor parts. The first anchor part includes: a first portion having an opening; a second portion that extends away from the first portion; and an anchor member that extends away from the first portion for a hook of the pool cover to be mounted thereto. The second anchor part includes: a first portion pivotally received in the opening in the first anchor part; and a second portion that extends away from the first portion of the second anchor part. The opening in the first anchor part is positioned a distance away from the second portion of the first anchor part for each of the second portion of the first anchor part and the second, portion of the second anchor part to respectively bear against two different deck boards simultaneously, and distribute loads therebetween.