Pool Membrane Locking Element with Masking Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for securing a waterproofing membrane in swimming pools, involving a blocking element like a tongue, pose hygiene and aesthetic issues due to impurity accumulation and difficulty in cleaning, especially since the rail is often placed below a coping and set back from it, making it hard to access and not aesthetically pleasing.
Innovation Solution
A blocking element comprising a flexible, elongated strip with a tongue that extends into a groove to secure the membrane, which is made of opaque or translucent material, featuring harpoons to prevent translation and a design that allows it to extend up to the coping, masking the attachment area and improving accessibility for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking element with a rounded end is used to secure the membrane edge in the groove, then the membrane is effectively locked in place, but impurities accumulate at the rail causing hygiene and aesthetic problems
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is transformed from a traditional rounded tab into a strip-shaped element with extended width. This dimensional change allows the strip to cover the groove opening and mask impurity accumulation, while the tab component maintains the locking function. The strip extends beyond the groove in the lateral dimension to provide both aesthetic coverage and functional sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is divided into two functional parts: a tab component that provides the locking mechanism by engaging the membrane edge, and a strip component that covers the groove opening to prevent impurity accumulation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated solution.
2Reliability
If the rail is set back from the coping stone to provide structural support, then the membrane can be securely attached, but cleaning accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to be insertable into the groove from the water side, allowing installation without requiring access to the setback area behind the coping stone. The element's flexible strip can be maneuvered into position and then expands to provide both structural support and cleaning accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element provides structural support through its tab engagement with the membrane and groove geometry, rather than requiring the rail to be positioned in the setback area. This dimensional redistribution of support functions allows the coping stone to maintain its primary position while the blocking element provides the necessary structural support.
3Reliability
If a traditional blocking element is used, then the membrane edge is secured, but the attachment area remains visible and aesthetically displeasing
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element transitions from a small tab visible at the groove opening to an extended strip that covers the entire groove opening and extends along the pool wall. This dimensional extension in the lateral direction provides aesthetic coverage by masking the attachment area while the tab maintains the securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The strip is made from opaque or translucent material that can be colored to match the pool's aesthetic scheme. This allows the blocking element to blend with the surrounding surfaces, making the attachment area invisible and improving the overall aesthetic appearance.
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 solution effectively secures the membrane while masking the attachment area, improving hygiene and aesthetics by preventing impurity accumulation and enhancing cleaning accessibility, and can extend to cover the water surface for additional confinement.
Implementation Method 1
the tongue comprises harpoons, the harpoons being configured to oppose a translation of the locking element, in a direction opposite to a direction of insertion of the tongue into the groove
Implementation Method 2
the strip extends to the coping, masking the attachment area and improving accessibility for cleaning
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An object of the invention is a locking element (10) for a waterproofing membrane (3) of a basin, the basin having a vertical wall (2), the vertical wall being provided with a support (5) having a groove (6), the groove being intended to receive an edge of the waterproofing membrane, the locking element (10) being intended to lock the edge of the waterproofing membrane in the groove, the locking element comprising: ▪ a tab (12), extending between a distal end (12d) and a proximal end (12p), in an extension direction (X), the distal end being intended to be inserted into the groove (6); ▪ a band (11), connected to the proximal end (12p) of the tab (12), so as to extend against the vertical wall (2) of the basin when the tab is inserted into the groove;▪ the band (11) extending on either side of the proximal end of the tongue (12), between an upper border (11sup) and a lower border (11inf), the distance between the upper border and the lower border, forming a width of the band (L), being greater than 1 cm, so as to mask all or part of the support.;