Pool Cover with Closed Cell Foam Float
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool covers are prone to sagging, damage, and water accumulation, requiring frequent adjustments and maintenance, and pose a drowning hazard due to trapped water, with inflatable solutions relying on constant air supply and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, water-impermeable pool cover with a centrally located closed cell polymeric foam float and optional additional floats distributed symmetrically to maintain buoyancy and prevent sagging, using weights or clamps for secure anchoring and a barrier assembly to retain water on the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inflatable floats are used to support the pool cover, then the cover can be raised to prevent debris build-up, but the floats may deflate or move resulting in sagging portions that collect water and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of buoyancy support from inflatable air-filled structures to solid closed-cell polymeric foam. This material property change eliminates the deflation problem entirely while maintaining the floating and debris-prevention functions. The foam provides consistent, maintenance-free buoyancy without requiring inflation or monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive foam float that does not require maintenance, repair, or replacement due to deflation. The solid foam structure is inherently durable and eliminates the need for periodic inflation, tying down, and adjustment operations associated with traditional inflatable systems.
2Shape
If constant pressurized air is introduced to maintain cover height, then the cover remains arched and functional, but energy consumption increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solid foam float provides self-sustaining buoyancy without requiring external energy input or active control systems. The cover maintains its elevated position through the inherent buoyant properties of the foam, eliminating the need for compressors, hoses, valves, and the associated energy consumption and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical air compression and inflation system with a passive solid foam buoyancy system. This substitution eliminates moving parts, energy consumption, and maintenance requirements while achieving the same functional outcome of maintaining cover shape and position.
3Strength
If water accumulates on the pool cover, then the cover becomes heavier and more stressed, but the cover may need to be replaced prematurely at considerable cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by elevating the cover above the water surface using foam floats, preventing water accumulation before it can occur. This proactive positioning stops the harmful effect of water weight and debris collection, thereby protecting the cover from excessive stress and premature failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam floats provide upward buoyant force that counteracts the downward weight of water and debris. This anti-weight effect keeps the cover elevated and prevents water accumulation, reducing stress on the cover material and extending its service life.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the pool cover traps water, then the cover provides protection, but it creates a drowning hazard to children and pets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prevents water accumulation on the cover by maintaining it in an elevated position through foam buoyancy. This preliminary anti-action eliminates the drowning hazard before it can arise, while simultaneously preserving the cover's protective function against debris and weather.
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 solution provides a durable, low-maintenance pool cover that remains buoyant even if punctured or torn, reducing energy consumption and preventing water accumulation hazards while maintaining pool cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
a pool cover which comprises a flexible, water impervious sheet of material having a centrally located float disposed on an upper surface of the material. In an embodiment the float member comprises a closed cell polymeric foam member
Data Source
AI summary
A pool cover includes a flexible, water impervious sheet of material having a centrally located float disposed on an upper surface of the material. In an embodiment the float member comprises a closed cell polymeric foam member. In an embodiment the polymeric foam float member is disposed within a pocket formed by a cover sheet attached to the water impervious sheet of the pool cover.