Pool Float Tether with Protective Sleeve and Weighted Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool and beach floats are vulnerable to wind and currents due to their lightweight construction, making it difficult for users to maintain a stationary position in water and requiring constant effort to prevent drifting, and existing anchor devices are not suitable as they can damage the floats and are cumbersome to store.
Innovation Solution
A tether device with a float attachment unit featuring an elongated cord with connectors and a sleeve to prevent damage, an anchor unit with a weighted element and hook to secure the float in place, and an optional tether adjustment unit for length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchors are used to secure the float, then the float can be held stationary in water, but the anchors can damage the float fabric and are cumbersome to store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a float attachment unit with a cord and connectors as an intermediary between the anchor unit and the pool float. This intermediary component distributes the anchoring force across a larger area and uses soft materials that will not tear the float fabric, while still effectively securing the float in place through the connector mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The tether device is divided into separate functional modules: a float attachment unit with cord and connectors, an anchor unit with weighted element and hook, and an optional tether adjustment unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the cord for gentle attachment, the weighted element for anchoring, and the hook for secure connection - while collectively solving the contradiction between holding power and float protection
2Reliability
If traditional anchors are used to secure the float, then the float can be held stationary in water, but the anchors are cumbersome to store
Solution Approach 1:
The tether device components are designed to nest together for compact storage. The cord can be wrapped around the weighted element or stored in a compartment, and the connector can be attached to the float or stored with the anchor unit. This nesting arrangement allows the entire tether system to be stored in a small space when not in use, eliminating the storage inconvenience of traditional anchors
3Device complexity
If the tether length is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the tether cannot adapt to different floating positions and depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tether adjustment unit that allows the tether length to be dynamically changed based on user needs. This adjustment mechanism enables the tether to adapt to different floating positions, water depths, and float sizes, transforming a static structure into a dynamic system that can respond to varying operational conditions while maintaining relatively simple construction
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
The tether device effectively keeps pool floats stationary in water, preventing movement due to wind and currents while being lightweight, easy to store, and non-damaging to the floats, allowing users to relax without worrying about the float drifting away.
Implementation Method 1
a weight can engage a bottom surface of a water environment to prevent movement of the float
Data Source
AI summary
A tether device for pool floats includes a float attachment unit having an elongated cord with connectors permanently affixed to each end. A soft sleeve is positioned along the cord and between the connectors. The device also includes an anchor unit having a tether that is interposed between a weighted element and a hook.