Swimming Pool Shelter Drain Module With Gutter Shutter Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing swimming pool enclosures do not effectively manage rainwater drainage and filtration, leading to increased water consumption and environmental impact, while failing to meet safety standards for preventing entry of large objects.

Innovation Solution

A swimming pool enclosure module with a framework and infill panel that guides rainwater towards the perimeter, featuring a gutter with a movable shutter and optional filter to divert rainwater into the pool, reducing the need for external water supply and enhancing environmental sustainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If rainwater is collected and diverted into the pool through drainage orifices, then water consumption for pool maintenance is reduced, but there is a risk of large objects entering the pool through the drainage system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater consumptionVSAvoidentry of large objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage system is segmented into multiple components: the roof structure with integrated gutters, drainage orifices in the pool basin, and a movable shutter mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control of each component to achieve both water collection and safety functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A movable shutter is integrated into the drainage system, allowing it to dynamically transition between open and closed positions. This dynamic element enables the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements - open for water collection during rain events, closed to prevent entry of large objects when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of stationary object

If the enclosure is designed as a low shelter with height less than 1.8m, then safety standards are met and space is optimized, but rainwater drainage management becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenclosure heightVSAvoiddrainage system integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage system is merged with the enclosure structure itself. The gutters are integrated into the roof framework, and the drainage orifices are incorporated into the pool basin construction. This merging eliminates the need for separate, complex drainage installations that would be required in traditional low enclosures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the protective low shelter barrier, incorporates rainwater collection through integrated gutters, and includes drainage functionality through orifices in the pool basin. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system while meeting all requirements.

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

3Length of stationary object

If the movable shutter is positioned close to the edge cross member (less than 50cm distance), then space is optimized for small modules, but the shutter mechanism becomes more compact and potentially less reliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule dimensionsVSAvoidshutter mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter mechanism is designed with local quality optimization - the spacing and dimensions are specifically adapted to the module size. For smaller modules where space is constrained, the shutter is positioned closer to the edge cross member with appropriately scaled dimensions, while maintaining sufficient mechanical clearance for reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution significantly reduces domestic water consumption for pool maintenance and minimizes environmental impact by efficiently collecting and filtering rainwater, while maintaining safety and hygiene standards.

Implementation Method 1

a movable shutter between open and closed positions in which access to said at least one drainage orifice by rainwater is opened and closed, respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

optionally, a removable filter arranged to filter the rainwater before it flows through said at least one drainage orifice

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4650548A1Module for a swimming pool shelter
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 GENERAL DABRIS & ACCESSOIRES POUR PISCINES
  • EP4650548A1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~1(B)
  • EP4650548A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4650548A1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(B)

AI summary

The invention relates to a module of a swimming pool shelter, said module (20) comprising a drain (41) including: - a gutter (42) disposed in the roof at a horizontal distance (d41) from an edge cross member between 10 cm and 100 cm, the gutter having a bottom (43) through which at least one drainage orifice (54) is passed to divert, by gravity, said rainwater under the module; - a shutter (44) movable between open and closed positions in which access to said at least one drainage orifice by rainwater is opened and closed, respectively.