Autonomous Pool Cover Winding Mechanism with Adaptive Pivot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for rolling up and unrolling swimming pool covers are not autonomous, require significant user effort, and can cause damage to the pool copings and pose safety risks due to jerky movements and uneven torque, leading to potential malfunctions and injuries.

Innovation Solution

A motorized device with a pivotable motorized assembly and autonomous energy source, housed in a cylindrical envelope with an external rolling surface, allows for adaptive movement to varying roll diameters and applies tension to the cover to prevent wrinkles, ensuring smooth operation without user effort and minimizing contact with the pool surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rigid frame with rollers is used to support the winding device, then the device can move along the pool basin, but the offset between the motorized axis and the connecting arm axis generates additional torque causing the frame to rotate and preventing it from moving straight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of moving the deviceVSAvoidreliability of straight movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the motorized axis and connecting arm axis symmetrically relative to the rigid frame's centerline, eliminating the asymmetric torque that caused rotation in prior art. This symmetric arrangement ensures the frame moves straight along the pool basin without deflection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If the free end with rolling elements is lifted to follow the increase in winding diameter, then the device can adapt to the rolling cover, but the sudden diameter variations cause violent strikes on the copings when the roller slows down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying roll diameterVSAvoiddamage to pool copings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a shock-absorbing mechanism (such as a spring or damp) between the rolling elements and the rigid frame to cushion the violent strikes that occur when the roller suddenly slows down. This beforehand cushioning prevents damage to the pool copings while maintaining adaptability to varying roll diameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a cane is provided to correct the deviation and force the carriage to remain oriented parallel to the basin edge, then the device can maintain proper orientation, but the user must exert significant physical effort especially when the roll has a large winding diameter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of device orientationVSAvoiduser physical effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the rigid frame with inherent geometric constraints and symmetric positioning of the motorized axis and connecting arm that automatically maintain parallel orientation to the basin edge during movement. The device self-corrects any deviation through its structural design, eliminating the need for user intervention with a cane and reducing physical effort to minimal levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If the motorized means and electrical energy source are housed in a fixed envelope, then the device has a stable structure, but it cannot adapt to the increase in roll diameter during winding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to roll diameter variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the motorized means and electrical energy source in a fixed envelope that remains stable, while the rigid frame itself is designed to dynamically adapt to varying roll diameters through its geometric configuration and the positioning of the motorized axis relative to the connecting arm. This separates the static housing from the adaptive mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device enables efficient, autonomous rolling up and unrolling of pool covers without jerks or shocks, reducing user effort and preventing damage to pool copings, ensuring long-term reliability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

electric motorized means capable of driving in rotation an axle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an external rolling surface intended to roll on the ground along the swimming pool basin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction rolling: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2690236B1Device for winding-up a flexible pool covering

Publication Date: 2015.03.11 ANNONAY PRODIONS FRANCE

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The device has an envelope (20) and a motorized mobile assembly (30) comprising an electric motorized unit (12) and an autonomous electric energy source (9). The envelope has an opening (22) and another opening arranged on both sides of an external bearing surface (21). The assembly positions an axle (6) in a proximal zone of the envelope. The assembly has a plate (32) and another plate arranged at the openings and a securing unit (33) forming a brace and maintaining the plates at equal distance. A guide unit (40) fixes the assembly in pivot connection with respect to the envelope.