Above-Ground Pool Drain Plug With Female Thread

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Solution Overview

Problem

Above-ground pools require a time-consuming draining process that often necessitates user supervision, and existing drainage systems do not efficiently allow for both draining and filling without water loss.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible pool design featuring a drain assembly with a female thread that allows for both draining and filling, using a drain plug member that detachably attaches to a locking member, providing improved drainage capabilities and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional male thread drain is used, then draining is enabled, but filling requires additional adapters and water loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrain functionalityVSAvoidwater loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional male thread design by using a female thread in the drain assembly. This allows the hose to have a male connector that screws directly into the drain, eliminating the need for additional adapters and preventing water loss during filling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The female thread drain assembly enables the same drain to serve multiple functions: draining water from the pool and filling the pool with water. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate filling and draining mechanisms, reducing complexity and preventing water loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a drain plug member is used to close the drain hole, then water retention is improved, but the draining process becomes time-consuming and requires user supervision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater retentionVSAvoiddraining time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drain plug member is designed to be automatically retained in the closed position by the drain assembly structure, allowing it to seal the drain hole reliably without requiring constant user supervision. The plug can be easily inserted and is held in place by the assembly's geometry, enabling automatic water retention while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the drain plug member detachably attaches to the locking member, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrain plug operationVSAvoiddrain assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drain assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the drain hole, the drain plug member, and the locking member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall operation - the plug member can be easily attached to or detached from the locking member without complicating the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240426123A1Drain plug for an above-ground pool

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 BELGRAVIA WOOD LTD

AI summary

An improved drain for an above-ground pool is disclosed. A variety of above-ground pool types are considered. Above-ground pools must be drained after use before being stored in a lengthy and time-consuming process. The improved drain can advantageously remain open during the draining process allowing for improved drainage. The drain can comprise a plug member and a locking member. The plug member can be configured to attach to the locking member when open. This and other embodiments are disclosed herein.