Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Apron for Dual-Edge Hooking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool safety shutters require manual attachment to both the distal and proximal edges of the pool for effective safety positioning, which is cumbersome and not fully automated.
Innovation Solution
A pool safety shutter with an apron featuring a main and secondary portion, each equipped with automatic hooking devices, and a connecting assembly that allows the apron to be automatically attached to both edges upon deployment, utilizing articulations and gravity-assisted mechanisms for seamless engagement with the pool edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual attachment devices are used for the apron, then the shutter can be attached to the pool edges, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is designed to automatically attach the apron to the pool edges without manual intervention. The spring mechanism stores energy during apron deployment and automatically engages the attachment element with the pool edge structure, making the system self-actuating rather than requiring manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded during the apron deployment process, storing mechanical energy in advance. This preliminary action enables the automatic engagement of the attachment device with the pool edge when the apron reaches its extended position, eliminating the need for manual attachment operations.
2Ease of operation
If the winder is positioned above the pool surface, then the apron can be easily deployed, but automatic attachment to both edges cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device operates in a different dimensional space than the winder mechanism. By positioning the attachment element on the apron and the fixed element on the pool edge structure, the system creates a new degree of freedom that enables automatic engagement independent of winder position, allowing both above-surface winding and automatic dual-edge attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter system is divided into functionally independent segments: the winder mechanism for deployment control and the attachment device for edge engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the winder managing apron deployment and the attachment device handling automatic edge securing.
3Extent of automation
If automatic hooking devices are implemented, then attachment automation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex spring mechanism and attachment elements are extracted as a separate, modular attachment device that can be independently designed, manufactured, and maintained. This extraction simplifies the overall system by isolating the automated attachment function into a distinct component with its own optimized structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary that converts the deployment motion into automatic engagement force. This intermediary component mediates between the apron deployment process and the edge attachment requirement, simplifying the interaction between these two functions while enabling automatic operation.
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
Facilitates automatic and efficient attachment of the shutter to both the distal and proximal edges of the pool, enhancing safety and convenience without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (431), arranged so as to be stretched when the apron (2) is deployed and to cause, by its stretching, actuation of the attachment device (13)
Implementation Method 2
a gravity mechanism (432), arranged so as to be actuated when the apron (2) is deployed and cause, by its actuation, actuation of the attachment device (13)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A safety shutter (1) for a pool (3), in particular the pool (3) of a swimming pool, comprises an apron (2) with a main portion (7) and at least part of a first automatic hooking device. This part is mounted on the main portion (7), in the vicinity of a front end (15). The shutter (1) further comprises a connecting assembly (10), by means of which the apron (2) is connected to a reel (5). This connecting assembly (10) is attached to the main portion (7) of the apron (2), in the vicinity of a rear end. The apron (2) further comprises a secondary portion (9) and at least part of a second automatic hooking device. This part is mounted on the secondary portion (9), in the vicinity of a front end (17).The connecting assembly (10) is further attached to this secondary portion (9), in the vicinity of a rear end opposite the front end (1) and close to the rear end of the main portion (7).