Modular Pool Edge Cover Assembly for Fast Corner Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional method of constructing pool encapsulation pieces is labor-intensive, requires cutting and gluing, and incurs high shipping costs and risks due to large sizes, posing challenges in handling and installation.
Innovation Solution
A pool cover assembly with interconnected encapsulation members and corner connection assemblies that utilize snap-fit, friction-fit, or snap-button engagements to form corners without glue or welding, and splice members to couple extended length elements, reducing the need for oversized shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If encapsulation pieces are shipped as single long pieces, then structural integrity is maintained, but shipping costs and handling difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation piece is divided into multiple shorter sections that can be easily shipped and stored. These sections are connected using splice members during installation, allowing the pool encapsulation to be assembled from manageable segments rather than requiring transport of a single long piece.
Solution Approach 2:
Splice members act as intermediary components that connect the encapsulation sections together. These splice members include connection features that join the encapsulation pieces while maintaining structural integrity, serving as the mediating element between separate sections during assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If corners are formed by cutting and gluing encapsulation pieces, then custom corner shapes are achieved, but labor and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The corner formation process is segmented into modular components: corner endcaps that attach to encapsulation sections at right angles, and splice members that connect these components. This modular approach allows for custom corner shapes without requiring time-consuming cutting and gluing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection system replaces the chemical bonding process (gluing). Instead of cutting and gluing encapsulation pieces to form corners, the system uses mechanical connections through corner endcaps and splice members that join components through physical engagement features, significantly reducing assembly time and labor requirements.
3Device complexity
If encapsulation pieces are made longer to reduce corner connections, then fewer connections are needed, but handling and storage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation is divided into shorter sections that are easier to handle and store safely. These segments are connected using splice members during installation, reducing the risk of damage during handling while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the pool encapsulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice members are designed with connection features that provide secure joining of encapsulation sections, cushioning against potential damage during handling and assembly. The mechanical connection system protects the encapsulation pieces from damage that would occur during transport and installation of longer single pieces.
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 quicker and easier assembly, reduces shipping costs, and minimizes damage risks while maintaining structural integrity and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
a corner endcap member comprising a third mating feature and a fourth mating feature, wherein the first encapsulation member is coupleable to the corner endcap member by the first mating feature and the third mating feature, wherein the second encapsulation member is coupleable to the corner endcap member by the second mating feature and the fourth mating feature
Implementation Method 2
an expandable compression-fit splice member
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A pool edge cover assembly includes a first encapsulation member defining a first side of a pool cover encapsulation, the first encapsulation member comprising a first mating feature. The pool edge cover assembly further includes a second encapsulation member defining a second side of the pool cover encapsulation, the second encapsulation member comprising a second mating feature. And the pool edge cover assembly further includes a corner endcap member comprising a third mating feature and a fourth mating feature. The first encapsulation member is coupleable to the corner endcap by the first mating feature and the third mating feature, and the second encapsulation member is coupleable to the corner endcap by the second mating feature and the fourth mating feature. The corner endcap member couples with the first encapsulation member and the second encapsulation member to form a corner of the pool cover encapsulation.