Swimming Pool Cover Tensioning Mechanism for Single-User Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cover structures require two people to properly immobilize the edges, as the deployed cover tends to escape from U-shaped rails, making it difficult for one person to securely block the cover.
Innovation Solution
A pool structure with a retractor system and blocking means, including a metal strip and traversing members, allows for the cover to be rolled up and tensioned, ensuring it remains in place without the need for additional assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If U-shaped rails are used to block the cover, then the cover can be held in place, but the cover tends to escape from the rails requiring two people to properly immobilize it
Solution Approach 1:
A tensioning member (rope, cable, or band) is introduced as an intermediary element between the cover and the blocking mechanism. This tensioning member connects the cover to the coping structure, allowing a single person to secure the cover by tensioning the member rather than manually holding the cover against the rails.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover blocking system is designed to be self-securing through the tensioning member that automatically maintains tension on the cover edges. Once the cover is positioned, the tensioning member self-adjusts to hold the cover in place without requiring continuous manual intervention or assistance from a second person.
2Area of stationary object
If the cover is deployed horizontally above the basin, then it can cover the pool, but it tends to escape from between the U-shaped rails of the flaps
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning member is pre-connected to the cover and the coping structure before deployment. This preliminary connection ensures that as the cover is deployed horizontally, the tensioning member is already in place to prevent the cover from escaping, rather than requiring post-deployment adjustment by multiple people.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mechanical state of the cover from freely movable to tensioned-and-fixed by introducing the tensioning member. This parameter change (from zero tension to sustained tension) prevents the cover from escaping horizontally while maintaining full deployment area coverage.
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
Enables single-person operation to securely deploy and maintain the pool cover, preventing warping and sagging, and eliminating the need for a second person to hold the cover in place.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft is provided with a spring system which is arranged to cause the shaft to be rolled up
Implementation Method 2
The first traversing member and the first hole are arranged to form a device for tensioning the cover
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pond structure, comprising at least one first wall (2) having an upper portion (3) of an above-ground outer rim, intended to surround the pond (20), and means for attaching a pond cover, comprising a cover roller (7) and means for locking at least one first end portion of the cover in a deployed position above the pond. The invention is characterized in that the cover attachment means (5) further comprise at least one element (104) for passing through at least one hole in the cover in the deployed position above the pond, the hole being located at a distance from the first end portion.