Fastener-Free Pool Frame Joints for Strength and Easy Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Above ground frame pools require a frame assembly that is strong enough to support water and swimmers, yet easy to manufacture, assemble, disassemble, and store, while also being water-resistant, which existing designs often fail to achieve due to the need for mechanical fasteners that complicate these processes.
Innovation Solution
The frame assembly incorporates T-shaped joints made of plastic or metal, which are friction-fit without mechanical fasteners, allowing for a one-piece or multi-piece structure that simplifies manufacturing, assembly, and disassembly, and enhances water resistance by using continuous outer walls and narrowing ends for a secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical fasteners are used to connect frame components, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and ease of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts, clips) with a friction-fit mechanical system. The joint components utilize friction between mating surfaces to maintain structural integrity without requiring additional fastening elements. This substitution eliminates complex fastening mechanisms while maintaining sufficient strength for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint components are designed to self-assemble through friction-fit connections. When the horizontal and vertical joint portions are inserted into the pipe ends, the friction between the mating surfaces automatically secures the connection without requiring external fasteners or additional assembly steps. The structure serves its own fastening function.
2Strength
If mechanical fasteners are used to connect frame components, then structural strength is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts, clips) with a friction-fit mechanical system. The joint components utilize friction between mating surfaces to maintain structural integrity without requiring additional fastening elements. This substitution eliminates complex fastening mechanisms while maintaining sufficient strength for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint components are designed to self-assemble through friction-fit connections. When the horizontal and vertical joint portions are inserted into the pipe ends, the friction between the mating surfaces automatically secures the connection without requiring external fasteners or additional assembly steps. The structure serves its own fastening function.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional joint designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but water-resistance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the joint structure with the pipe connections by designing the joint components to directly receive and secure the pipe ends within a continuous outer wall. This integration eliminates separate sealing components and potential leak paths, achieving water-resistance through the unified structural design while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Strength
If joints have mechanical fasteners, then structural strength is improved, but ease of storage and assembly worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts, clips) with a friction-fit mechanical system. The joint components utilize friction between mating surfaces to maintain structural integrity without requiring additional fastening elements. This substitution eliminates complex fastening mechanisms while maintaining sufficient strength for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint components are designed to self-assemble through friction-fit connections. When the horizontal and vertical joint portions are inserted into the pipe ends, the friction between the mating surfaces automatically secures the connection without requiring external fasteners or additional assembly steps. The structure serves its own fastening function.
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
This design provides a strong, water-resistant frame assembly that is convenient to assemble and disassemble, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving storage efficiency without the need for mechanical fasteners, while maintaining structural integrity under water pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a first horizontal portion having a continuous outer wall configured to surround a first end of the first horizontal frame, a second horizontal portion having a continuous outer wall configured to surround a second end of the second horizontal frame
Data Source
AI summary
An above ground frame pool is disclosed including a frame assembly and a liner supported by the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a plurality of horizontal pipes, a plurality of vertical pipes, and a plurality of T-shaped joints. The joints may lack mechanical fasteners with adjacent pipes or corresponding apertures. The joints may be one-piece or multi-piece structures. Such joints may be water-resistant and convenient to manufacture, assemble, disassemble, and store.