Walkable Pool Covering With Movable Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool coverings are either not walkable or have limited static load capacity due to their design, which affects their usability and aesthetics, and they often obstruct the surrounding area when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A walkable pool covering with a supporting structure featuring movable beams that can be rearranged to increase stability and load capacity, allowing the covering to be moved outside the pool area without obstructing access, using a combination of double beams, articulated joints, and mechanisms for folding and telescopic arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If higher beams are used to increase static load capacity, then the stability and load capacity of the covering are improved, but the total height of the covering increases which is aesthetically displeasing and prevents comfortable access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the load-bearing beams from the vertical dimension (above the covering) to the horizontal dimension (below the covering surface). The beams are positioned in the space underneath the covering, extending horizontally to provide structural support without increasing the vertical height profile visible from above. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high static load capacity through horizontal beam placement while maintaining a low overall height for aesthetic and accessibility purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding roofing is used that can be moved outside the pool area, then the area usability is improved, but the covering becomes obstructive when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a sliding covering mechanism that can transition between fixed and movable states. The covering is equipped with sliding elements that allow it to be moved along rails or guides outside the pool area when not in use, transforming the static structure into a dynamic one. This enables the covering to be positioned over the pool for protection and then relocated to avoid obstructing the surrounding area, thereby improving area usability while minimizing occupied space when not needed.
3Ease of operation
If the covering is designed to be walkable, then the usability is improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a decking surface composed of interconnected panels or planks that form a walkable surface. This decking layer is designed to distribute point loads from foot traffic across the underlying beam structure, enabling walkability without requiring excessively complex reinforcement. The thin film or panel approach allows the covering to bear pedestrian loads while maintaining relatively simple structural elements underneath, thus improving ease of operation while controlling structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a covering, in particular a covering of a pool (1), consisting of at least one planar supporting structure (4) provided with a covering on its upper side and a slide on its lower side, where the supporting structure (4) is provided on its lower side with at least two parallel paths for holding at least one beam (3), wherein at least one beam (3) is positioned in the paths movably horizontally below the underside of the supporting structure (4). The beam (3) may be doubled and contains two symmetrical parts connected at its lower edge by an articulated joint, which are provided on their upper side with path attachments for opening the symmetrical parts to the horizontal direction and clamping them to the vertical direction.