Motorized Pool Net Tensioning Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tensioning pool nets often struggle to achieve effective tension, making it difficult to secure the net properly around swimming pools, which can compromise safety.
Innovation Solution
A tension apparatus with a housing, a selectively engageable gear arrangement, a rotatable member, and a spool member with a cable that can be wrapped around the spool, allowing for efficient tensioning of the pool net by supplying rotational energy and securing it to anchor members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tensioning methods are used for pool nets, then the net can be installed around the pool perimeter, but it is difficult to achieve effective tension and proper securing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tensioning with a motorized winch system that includes an electric motor, gear train, and spool. This automated mechanical system winds a cable to tension the net, eliminating the difficulty of manual tensioning while ensuring reliable and consistent tension application around the entire pool perimeter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary element between the winch system and the net. The cable transmits the tensile force from the motorized spool to the net, allowing effective tension application without direct manual handling of the net itself, thereby solving both the tension effectiveness and operational ease problems.
2Reliability
If the net is tightened to suspend a child or object, then safety is improved, but it becomes difficult to tension the net effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex manual process of achieving proper tension (which requires judging the right amount of force to suspend a child) with a motorized winch system. The motorized system provides controlled, consistent tension application that reliably achieves the safety requirement without requiring complex manual judgment or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The winch system includes a self-contained motor, gear train, and spool assembly that automatically provides the necessary tensioning force. The system serves itself by integrating the power source and mechanical advantage components within the housing, eliminating the need for external complex tensioning equipment or manual intervention.
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 apparatus enables easy and effective tensioning of pool nets, ensuring they are securely anchored around the pool perimeter, enhancing safety by preventing accidental access to the pool.
Implementation Method 1
a selectively engagable gear arrangement disposed in the housing
Implementation Method 2
a spool member operatively attached to the gear arrangement. Additionally, the apparatus includes a cable at least partially wrapped around the spool member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for tensioning a safety net on a swimming pool. In one aspect, a tension apparatus for use with a pool net is provided. The apparatus includes a housing and a selectively engagable gear arrangement disposed in the housing. The apparatus further includes a rotatable member for supplying rotational energy to the gear arrangement and a spool member operatively attached to the gear arrangement. Additionally, the apparatus includes a cable at least partially wrapped around the spool member, wherein the cable includes a connector configured to connect to the pool net. In another aspect, a method for tensioning a pool net is provided. In yet another aspect, an apparatus for use in tensioning a net is provided.