Pool Overflow Drain Heightener Resolving Water Capacity and Installation Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Improper positioning of pool overflow drains leads to incomplete pool filling, increased difficulty in exiting, safety hazards, and unnecessary water loss, making it impractical to reposition them without partial demolition.
Innovation Solution
A pool overflow drain heightener system comprising a dam basin and a hollow drainpipe connector insert that attaches to the existing drain, allowing water to be retained above the lowest point during normal use while allowing excess water to drain during overflow events, preventing unnecessary water loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If overflow drains are positioned at a low location to match existing pool construction, then the pool cannot be filled to designated capacity, but repositioning the drains would require partial demolition of the pool wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (overflow drain heightener) that attaches to the existing low-positioned overflow drain and extends upward to create a new effective drain position at the proper height. This mediator allows the pool to be filled to its designated capacity without requiring demolition or repositioning of the original drain, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and water capacity.
2Loss of substance
If overflow drains are positioned low, then water is unnecessarily drained during normal pool activities, but raising the drain position would require structural modification
Solution Approach 1:
The heightener acts as a mediator that extends the effective position of the existing overflow drain upward without requiring structural modification. This allows the pool to maintain proper water levels during normal activities while still enabling excess water to drain appropriately, thus reducing unnecessary water loss without increasing device complexity through demolition or reconstruction.
3Ease of operation
If overflow drains are positioned low, then the distance between water level and pool deck increases, but repositioning the drains involves demolition work
Solution Approach 1:
The heightener device serves as a non-invasive intermediary that raises the effective overflow drain position to the proper height, thereby reducing the distance between the water level and pool deck surface. This improves ease of operation for users exiting the pool without requiring complex installation involving demolition or structural modification.
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification discloses a pool overflow drain heightener that prevents pool water from draining through the pool overflow drain during normal usage, yet permits draining during an emergency overflow event. The pool overflow drain heightener includes a dam basin having an upper rim that defines a mouth configured to be positioned above the desired water level and above the lowest point of the pool overflow drain, such that the water level can temporarily or permanently rise above the lowest point, yet not drain from the pool. Excessive water levels will still be able drain through the mouth, and out the overflow drain, thereby preventing overflow of the pool.