Modular Swimming Pool Construction Module with Offset Chimneys

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current modular swimming pool construction methods require high industrial investment due to the need for large injection molding machines and limit the ability to create free-form pools without concrete masonry, as panels must be assembled without angular play and are not suitable for in-ground construction.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece modular construction module with lateral connection means allowing alignment and interlocking with adjacent modules, featuring offset chimneys for metal bar insertion and angular clearance up to ±13°, enabling free-form pool assembly without concrete walls and facilitating manual assembly in the ground.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high-pressure injection molding is used to manufacture modular panels, then manufacturing precision and structural integrity are improved, but industrial investment and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel manufacturing precisionVSAvoidinjection molding machine complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular panel is segmented into a support structure and separate connection means, allowing the connection features to be integrated into the support rather than requiring high-pressure injection molding of the entire panel. This reduces the complexity of manufacturing equipment while maintaining assembly precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection means are merged with the support structure as an integrated component, eliminating the need for separate high-pressure injection molding processes. The connection means are formed directly on the support, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring precise alignment and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If panels are assembled without angular play, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to create free-form pools and curved structures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel assembly stabilityVSAvoidfree-form pool adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection means incorporate angular clearance that allows dynamic adjustment during assembly, enabling panels to be positioned at various angles relative to each other. This dynamic capability permits the creation of free-form and curved pool structures while maintaining structural stability through the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection means are designed with variable angular parameters, allowing the assembly angle between panels to be changed within a specific range. This parameter variability enables the construction of different pool geometries including straight, curved, and free-form configurations while preserving structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple panel types with different radii of curvature are manufactured, then adaptability for free-form pools is improved, but storage complexity and logistics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefree-form pool adaptabilityVSAvoidpanel storage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection means are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple curvature radii through angular adjustment, eliminating the need to manufacture and store different panel types for different curvatures. A single panel design with adjustable connection angles serves multiple functional purposes, simplifying storage and logistics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular panels are designed for in-ground construction, then versatility of pool installation locations is improved, but assembly difficulty and manual labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation location adaptabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection means are preliminarily configured with alignment features and angular clearance that guide the assembly process, reducing the skill level and manual effort required for in-ground installation. The preliminary design of the connection geometry facilitates intuitive alignment and locking of panels during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2177693B1Single-piece module for building a swimming pool and associated ready-to-install assembly
Publication Date: 2011.06.22 TOUT POUR LEAU PRAT
  • EP2177693B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2177693B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2177693B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The construction module (1) has a rectangular parallelepiped support (2) defined by a flat front face connected to an opposed rear face by two lateral faces (4). A set of parallelepiped lateral connection units (8) is extended from the respective lateral faces. The set of connection units is cooperated with another set of lateral connection units of another construction module (1') by aligning and/or fitting, for forming a swimming pool by cooperation of the modules. The former set of lateral connection units is laterally shifted with respect to one another along a vertical axis. An independent claim is also included for a method for constructing a swimming pool.