Pool Skimmer Reinforcing Element for Structural Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing swimming pool skimming devices have a significant gap between the top of the skimming device and the finishing slab, which compromises the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, while also risking deformation and breakage due to the weight of the coping and water pressure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reinforcing element extending between support points on the pool wall and the skimming device, made of a metal insert or sheet, to enhance mechanical strength and support the weight of the coping, allowing for a reduced distance between the skimming device and the finishing slab without compromising structural integrity or aesthetic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the skimming device is raised to the top of the pool to achieve a higher water level, then the aesthetic appearance and water level are improved, but the structural integrity and sealing between the liner and construction elements are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction approach by integrating a reinforcing element (such as a metal angle iron or L-shaped profile) into the concrete wall structure. This reinforcing element works together with the skimming device and coping to create a composite system that distributes loads and maintains structural integrity while allowing the skimming device to be positioned at the top of the pool for aesthetic purposes.
2Shape
If the distance between the skimming device and the finishing slab is reduced to improve aesthetics, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the rigidity and resistance to deformation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the reinforcement strategy by extending the reinforcing element from the coping down through the wall thickness to support the skimming device. This vertical reinforcement in the third dimension (depth/thickness) provides the necessary rigidity to allow minimal horizontal distance between the skimming device and finishing slab without compromising structural strength.
3Shape
If the coping weight is supported closer to the skimming device to improve aesthetics, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the risk of deformation and breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing element acts as an intermediary component between the coping and the skimming device. It mediates the load transfer from the heavy coping down to the structurally sound concrete wall, distributing the weight and preventing direct stress concentration on the skimming device or the thin concrete cover, thereby preventing deformation and breakage while allowing aesthetic positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
The device has a murder hole (2) for guiding swimming pool water from a front edge surrounding a water inlet slot toward a rear edge (23) connected to a water filtering and discharging body. The murder hole is connected with a location hole (6) provided in upper part of a wall (60) of swimming pool. Reinforcing element (8) is supported on support points (61, 62) located on the wall on two sides of the murder hole and extended in center of the points of wall and between the murder hole and a sundeck e.g. wooden duckboard. The element is provided against the front edge of the murder hole.