Swimming Pool Recess Cover Fastener Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pool cover solutions for peripheral recesses, such as stairwells, require specially designed covers that increase costs and complicate the installation process due to non-conformity with conventional pool cover shapes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sheet with fasteners that can be easily attached to a main pool cover, using elongated fasteners with receptacles and projections to securely engage with the main cover, allowing for easy installation and disengagement, thus eliminating the need for uniquely designed covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specially designed pool covers with external flaps are used to cover peripheral recesses, then the peripheral recesses can be properly covered, but the cost and availability increase and the installation process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The pool cover system is divided into a main pool cover and separate peripheral recess covers that can be independently installed and removed. The peripheral recess covers are segmented into discrete units that fit over specific recesses like stairwells, allowing the main cover to remain simple and standardized while addressing the complexity of recess coverage through modular add-on components.
2Reliability
If specially designed pool covers are used to cover peripheral recesses, then the recesses can be covered, but installation delays occur due to acquisition time
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral recess covers are designed to be pre-fabricated standard components that can be prepared in advance and stored for quick installation. The covers are made ready with pre-attached fasteners and are designed to snap onto the main pool cover without requiring custom fabrication or complex assembly procedures during the installation process.
3Reliability
If specially designed pool covers are used to cover peripheral recesses, then the recesses can be covered, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral recess covers are designed as universal components that can be used across different pool configurations and recess types. The standardized design allows a single cover model to fit multiple recess locations, reducing the need for custom-designed covers for each specific application and thereby lowering manufacturing costs through economies of scale.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard pool covers are used without modifications, then the cost and installation are simplified, but the peripheral recesses cannot be properly covered
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral recess covers serve as intermediary components that bridge the gap between the simple standard pool cover and the need for recess coverage. These intermediate elements attach to the main cover and extend into the recess areas, allowing the main cover to remain simple and standardized while the intermediary pieces provide the necessary coverage for complex geometries.
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
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective pool cover installation by allowing standard pool covers to be used with peripheral recesses, reducing installation delays and costs associated with specially designed covers.
Implementation Method 1
The opposing arms may include a projections or ribs adapted to engage the projection on the main cover. The opposing flexible arms adapted to deflect when contacted by the projection on the main cover.
Data Source
AI summary
Swimming pool recess covers and methods of covering swimming pool recesses, for example, stairwells, are disclosed. The recess covers include a flexible sheet adapted to at least partially cover the recess, and one or more fasteners mounted to an edge of the sheet. The fasteners are adapted to engage a main pool cover. The fastener may be an elongated fastener having a receptacle adapted to receive a projection mounted on the main pool cover. The receptacle may have an opening defined by opposing arms adapted to deflect when contacted by the projection on the main cover. The flexible arms may also include projections that enhance engagement of the receptacle with the projection on the main pool cover. Swimming pool peripheral recess cover fasteners are also provided.