Pool Shell Bracing for Straight Wall Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool shells tend to deform and curve outwardly when filled with water, resulting in unsightly straight walls, and existing installation methods are not effective in maintaining a straight and attractive appearance.
Innovation Solution
A bracing structure comprising upright supports with strut and plate portions is used to curve the pool shell inwardly before filling with water, ensuring the wall straightens and maintains a straight shape, with a loading system applied to achieve the desired curvature and external bracing configured to take load after unloading the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pool shell is filled with water, then the pool becomes functional and holds water, but the wall deforms and curves outwardly resulting in an unsightly appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing structure applies a pre-compression force to the pool shell wall in the inward direction before the shell is filled with water. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the outward hydrostatic pressure that will occur when the pool is in use, preventing the wall from deforming and curving outwardly while maintaining its straight, attractive appearance
2Shape
If a bracing structure is added to maintain wall straightness, then the appearance is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing structure is divided into multiple discrete upright supports, each comprising a strut portion and a plate portion. These segmented components are distributed around the pool shell perimeter, allowing for modular installation and adjustment while maintaining overall wall straightness without requiring a complex continuous bracing system
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of bracing the wall from the outside to prevent outward curvature, the invention inverts the approach by having the bracing structure apply inward pre-compression force. This causes the wall to naturally resist outward deformation when water is added, achieving the desired straight appearance through the opposite mechanical action
3Strength
If the pool shell is made thicker to reduce flexibility and deformation, then the structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing structure acts as an intermediary element between the pool shell and the external environment. It provides the necessary structural support and pre-compression force to prevent wall deformation, allowing the pool shell itself to remain thin and lightweight while still achieving the desired structural strength and 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 method ensures a straight and attractive pool wall with reduced deformation, allowing for precise adjustment and installation on varying site conditions, while minimizing weight and installation costs through the use of predominantly plastic components.
Implementation Method 1
the pool shell is fillable with water to straighten the wall to form a straight wall
Data Source
AI summary
A pool unit including a pool shell, which has a wall, and a bracing structure bracing the wall to curve inwardly. The pool shell is fillable with water to straighten the wall to form a straight wall.