Pool Liner Heating Tool Manifold for Controlled Thermal Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vinyl pool liners are prone to damage over time due to environmental and chemical exposure, leading to detachment from the pool superstructure, and traditional heat application methods for repair are difficult to control, risking melt-through or tearing.
Innovation Solution
A heating tool with a manifold portion and heat supply portion, featuring a thermal distribution rail with heat ports and a handle for precise application of heated fluid between the pool liner and side wall, allowing controlled heat distribution and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hot air equipment or hot water is used to heat the liner, then the liner can be reinstalled, but the heating process is difficult to control and may cause melt-through or tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating zones along the liner, with each zone controlled by individually adjustable heating elements. This allows localized temperature control to prevent overheating damage while ensuring reliable heating where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors are integrated into the heating system to provide real-time feedback on liner temperature. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of heating power to maintain safe temperature ranges, preventing melt-through while ensuring sufficient heating for successful reinstallation.
2Ease of operation
If more heat is applied to ensure proper heating, then the liner becomes more pliable, but the risk of overheating and melt-through increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system employs dynamic temperature control with multiple adjustable power levels for different heating zones. The system can adaptively adjust heating intensity based on real-time temperature feedback and operational conditions, providing optimal pliability without exceeding safe temperature thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the liner receive differentiated heating treatments through independently controlled heating zones. Areas requiring greater pliability can receive enhanced heating while sensitive areas are maintained at lower temperatures, optimizing ease of operation without causing overheating damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If less heat is applied to avoid damage, then the liner remains safer, but insufficient heating causes tearing during reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into multiple heating zones that can be independently activated and controlled. This segmentation allows precise delivery of adequate heat to specific areas requiring reinforcement during reinstallation while maintaining lower temperatures in other areas to prevent overheating damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system applies preliminary, controlled heat treatment to specific sections of the liner before reinstallation begins. This preliminary action ensures adequate pliability and strength in critical areas while avoiding excessive heating, preventing both tearing and melt-through during the reinstallation process.
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
Enables controlled and precise heating of localized areas of the pool liner, preventing damage and facilitating effective reinstallation without causing tears or overheating, thus extending the liner's lifespan and maintaining pool aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The manifold portion is shaped to pass between the installed pool liner layer and a supporting pool side wall... heated fluid source... thermal distribution rail that includes a plurality of heat ports extending through the wall
Data Source
AI summary
A heating tool for thermally manipulating an installed pool liner layer includes a manifold portion and a heat supply portion. The manifold portion forms a closed-loop passageway having a wall and a thermal distribution rail that includes a plurality of heat ports extending through the wall. The manifold portion is structured to pass between an installed pool liner layer and a supporting side wall and permitting manipulation and movement of the heating tool between the pool liner and the side wall. A heat supply portion includes a handle with a co-axially formed inlet passage in fluid communication with a fluid line connection that connects the inlet passage with a heated fluid source.