Swimming Pool Cover Interlocking Mechanism for Stable Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool cover devices face challenges in achieving a stable and permanent connection between base elements and connecting means due to material incompatibility and a small contact area, leading to potential failure under mechanical loads, which poses safety risks, especially for children.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a connecting means with a thickened end section and a form-fit surface that allows for a positive connection with base elements, enabling a stable and reliable interlocking mechanism, regardless of material differences, and includes a polymeric material with high flexibility and drainage capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connecting means consists of elastomeric material to ensure flexibility, then the flexibility of the device is improved, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to material incompatibility and small contact area
Solution Approach 1:
A connection element is introduced as an intermediary component between the base element and the connecting means. This connection element features a first connection region that positively connects to the base element and a second connection region that connects to the connecting means, thereby mediating the connection between incompatible materials and ensuring reliable attachment while maintaining flexibility.
2Weight of moving object
If the base elements have porous structure for better buoyancy, then the buoyancy is improved, but the connection area deteriorates due to reduced contact area
Solution Approach 1:
The base element is designed with differentiated local properties: it has a porous structure in certain regions to provide buoyancy, while featuring a specifically designed connection region with a form-fit surface that provides sufficient contact area for reliable positive connection. This local differentiation allows the base element to simultaneously achieve both buoyancy and secure connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive properties are relied upon for connection, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the connection strength deteriorates under mechanical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is changed from relying on adhesive bonding to a mechanical positive connection system. The connection element features a form-fit surface that positively connects to the base element, replacing adhesive-based attachment with a mechanical interlocking system that provides superior strength under mechanical loads while remaining manufacturable.
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
This solution provides a secure, durable, and flexible connection that ensures the cover remains stable under mechanical stress, enhancing safety and allowing for easy rolling and drainage, while maintaining optimal buoyancy and swimming properties.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting means consists of an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
the material of the base elements often has a porous structure for the purpose of better buoyancy
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for covering open containers that are filled with a liquid, in particular for covering swimming pools. Said device consists of at least one segment, which comprises at least two base elements. At least sections of one of the longitudinal sides of at least one of said elements are displaceably connected to an opposing longitudinal side of a neighbouring segment via at least one connecting element. At least one of the base elements is an end element with a connecting unit on the longitudinal side lying opposite the longitudinal side connected to the connecting element, so that preferably at least sections of said end element can be rigidly connected to the end element of another segment. At least sections of the connecting element are connected in a positive fit to at least one of the base elements.