Fastener-Free T-Joint Structure for Above-Ground Pool Frames
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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 that are friction-fit without mechanical fasteners, allowing for a one-piece or multi-piece structure that is water-resistant and simplifies manufacturing, assembly, and disassembly by using a continuous outer wall and narrowing ends to accommodate adjacent pipes, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling.
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 removes mechanical fasteners from the frame assembly, extracting the complexity of bolts, screws, or clips while maintaining structural integrity through friction-fit connections between precisely engineered joint surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system with a friction-fit system that uses surface geometry and material friction to achieve the same structural connection function, eliminating the need for separate fastener components
2Strength
If mechanical fasteners are used to connect frame components, then structural strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By removing mechanical fasteners entirely, the patent eliminates the time-consuming processes of inserting, tightening, and securing fasteners, allowing frame components to be assembled and disassembled through simple friction-fit engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-fit joints are designed to self-lock through friction between mating surfaces, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and allowing the structure to maintain its own connections without additional mechanical components
3Strength
If mechanical fasteners are used to connect frame components, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system with a friction-fit system that uses surface geometry and material friction to achieve the same structural connection function, eliminating the need for separate fastener components
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 enhances the water-resistance and ease of handling of the frame assembly by eliminating mechanical fasteners, making it more convenient to assemble and disassemble while maintaining structural integrity under water pressure.
Implementation Method 1
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.
Data Source
AI summary
An above ground frame pool (10) includes a frame assembly (20) and a liner (40) supported by the frame assembly (20). The frame assembly (20) includes a plurality of horizontal pipes (22), a plurality of vertical pipes (24), and a plurality of T-shaped joints (30). The joints (30) may lack mechanical fasteners with adjacent pipes or corresponding apertures. The joints (30) may be one-piece or multi-piece structures. Such joints (30) may be water-resistant and convenient to manufacture, assemble, disassemble, and store.