Above-Ground Pool Drain Plug Assembly for Faster, Unattended Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Above-ground pools require a time-consuming draining process that often necessitates user supervision, which is inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A drain assembly for above-ground pools featuring a drain hole, a detachable drain plug member, and a locking member that allows for easy detachment and reattachment, ensuring a watertight seal in the closed position and unobstructed drainage in the open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional drain plug is used, then the pool can be drained, but the process is time-consuming and requires user supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The drain plug member is pre-configured with a locking mechanism that automatically secures itself to the locking member when attached, eliminating the need for continuous user supervision during the draining process. The preliminary design of the locking mechanism ensures the plug remains securely in place without requiring ongoing user intervention.
2Reliability
If a secure drain plug is used to ensure watertight seal, then leakage is prevented, but the detachment and reattachment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the structural attachment function. The drain plug member includes a separate sealing element that interfaces with the drain hole, while the locking member provides the attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows the seal to remain reliable while the locking mechanism simplifies detachment and reattachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary between the drain plug member and the drain hole. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the attachment and detachment process while ensuring the drain plug member maintains a secure, watertight connection to the drain hole when engaged.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple drain plug design is used, then manufacturing is easy, but the drainage process requires continuous user supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-activating. When the drain plug member is attached to the locking member, the locking mechanism automatically engages without requiring additional user actions or supervision. This self-service feature maintains manufacturing simplicity while eliminating the need for continuous user oversight during drainage.
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
Facilitates quick and user-friendly drainage of above-ground pools, maintaining modularity and convenience while improving the user experience during storage and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a watertight seal is formed between the drain plug member and the drain hole
Data Source
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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.