Pool Cover Encapsulation Splice Member Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable pool cover systems face challenges in aligning and securing adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure, which affects the system's assembly, longevity, and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a splice member with tapered sidewalls and a retaining fastener system that aligns and secures adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure along a longitudinal axis, ensuring precise alignment and structural integrity through an interference fit and threaded interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used for adjacent encapsulation segments, then assembly is simpler, but alignment precision and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A splice member is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent encapsulation segments. The splice member includes tapered sidewalls that fit into corresponding angled troughs, providing precise alignment and structural connection while simplifying the overall assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The splice member is pre-configured with tapered sidewalls at specific angles complementary to the trough angles before assembly. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that when the splice member is inserted, it automatically achieves precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment procedures
2Manufacturing precision
If splice members with tapered sidewalls are used, then alignment precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splice member incorporates tapered sidewalls with specific angular parameters that are complementary to the trough angles. By changing the geometric parameters of the splice member surfaces, precise alignment is achieved through simple geometric relationships rather than complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered sidewalls of the splice member are designed with asymmetric angles that match the asymmetric angled troughs of the encapsulation segments. This asymmetric geometry ensures proper alignment and orientation during assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms
3Reliability
If retaining fasteners are used to secure splice members, then retention reliability improves, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Holes for retaining fasteners are pre-formed in the splice member and encapsulation segments during the manufacturing process. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming hole drilling or drilling operations during assembly, while still providing reliable retention through the fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The splice member design incorporates self-aligning features where the tapered sidewalls automatically position the splice member correctly within the angled troughs. This self-alignment reduces assembly time by eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures, while retaining fasteners provide reliable securing once the component is in position
Data Source
AI summary
An encapsulation apparatus configured to connect about a perimeter of a pool for a pool cover includes an elongated encapsulation extending along a longitudinal axis configured to engage a perimeter of the pool cover. A channel is formed on a first side of the elongated encapsulation by opposing channel walls configured to receive a webbing of the pool cover. A support structure forms a second side of the elongated encapsulation. The support structure includes opposing interior walls extending at a wall angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The opposing interior walls of the support structure are configured to receive a splice member disposed between adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation.