Inflatable Pool Drawstring Structure for Shape Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable water pools face challenges in maintaining predetermined shapes due to pressure-induced distortions and material inefficiencies, leading to structural weaknesses and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pool apparatus with a side wall structure featuring drawstrings, including main and branch drawstrings that distribute forces to maintain shape, reducing stress concentration and allowing for the use of fewer materials while enhancing durability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plastic coatings are inflated with gas to maintain basic structures, then the pool can be assembled conveniently and provide strength, but the plastic coatings are under pressure which results in ugly shapes and structural distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is divided into multiple inflatable compartments or chambers separated by partitions. Each compartment can be inflated independently to distribute internal pressure evenly, preventing localized distortion and maintaining the overall shape while still providing structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement elements such as ribs, gussets, or stiffening panels are added at specific locations where shape maintenance is critical (e.g., corners, edges, or curved sections). These local reinforcements resist pressure-induced deformation without requiring the entire structure to be rigid, thus preserving aesthetic shape while providing strength.
2Strength
If more materials are used to provide higher strength and durability, then the pool structure becomes stronger, but the cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pool structure uses inflated air chambers or compartments to provide structural support and strength. The internal gas pressure creates outward forces that counteract external loads and maintain the structural integrity, allowing the use of thinner, lighter materials compared to traditional rigid constructions while achieving equivalent or superior strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The pool employs flexible plastic coating materials that are inflated to form load-bearing structures. These thin flexible films, when pressurized, gain significant strength and stiffness, eliminating the need for thick or heavy materials while maintaining durability and structural performance.
3Ease of operation
If conventional inflatable structures are used, then assembly is convenient, but the structures cannot maintain predetermined shapes due to pressure-induced distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is divided into multiple inflatable compartments or chambers separated by partitions. Each compartment can be inflated independently to distribute internal pressure evenly, preventing localized distortion and maintaining the overall shape while still providing structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement elements such as ribs, gussets, or stiffening panels are added at specific locations where shape maintenance is critical (e.g., corners, edges, or curved sections). These local reinforcements resist pressure-induced deformation without requiring the entire structure to be rigid, thus preserving aesthetic shape while providing strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pool apparatus (11) configured to carry liquids and having a side wall (17) and a bottom surface (15). The side wall has a plurality of structure drawstrings (17), an outer side wall (173), and an inner side wall (175). The two sides of the structure drawstrings draw respectively the outer side wall and the inner side wall, so as to maintain a predetermined shape of the pool apparatus. The structure drawstrings comprise a main drawstring portions (1715) and at least two branch drawstring portions (1711,1713). The at least two branch drawstrings connect respectively to different positions of the outer side wall and the inner side wall. The bottom surface connects to the side wall, so as to form together to be one portion of the structure body for carrying liquids.