Pool Spring Cover with Intermediary Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pool cover springs cause damage to decking due to their expansion and contraction under varying environmental forces, and existing solutions fail to protect the deck effectively when the cover is removed and stored.

Innovation Solution

A pool spring cover system comprising an elongate tubular member with an attachment member and fastener elements that secure the tubular member to the spring, preventing it from moving with the spring's expansion and contraction, and featuring a one-time use fastener for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If pool cover springs are used to secure the pool cover to anchors, then the pool cover can be firmly attached to the pool decking, but the springs expand and contract under environmental forces causing damage to the pool decking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoiddecking damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the pool cover spring and the pool decking. The sleeve receives the spring and prevents direct contact between the spring and decking surface, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of spring expansion/contraction on the decking while maintaining the attachment function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective sleeve is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. It serves as a sacrificial element that protects the more valuable decking from damage caused by spring movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pool cover is removed and stored, then the pool can be used, but the spring becomes exposed and may still damage the decking during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoiddecking damage during storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sleeve serves multiple functions: it protects the decking during both operational use and storage periods. The sleeve remains on the spring throughout, providing continuous protection regardless of whether the cover is installed or stored

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective covering is placed over the spring, then the decking is protected from spring expansion and contraction, but the protective covering may become detached when the cover is removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecking protectionVSAvoidattachment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sleeve is pre-installed onto the spring before the pool cover is installed. This preliminary action ensures the sleeve remains in position on the spring throughout installation, use, and storage, preventing it from becoming detached and lost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9624997B2Pool spring cover

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 GL INT

AI summary

Provided is a pool spring cover having an elongate tubular member with openings on first and second sides, respectively. The first and second sides span a longitudinal axis. An attachment member extends generally along the longitudinal axis from a first portion of the second side to a free end. A fastener comprised of a first fastener element and a second fastener element is provided. The first fastener element is associated with the attachment member at the free end and the second fastener element is associated with the tubular member at a second portion of the second side. The first and second fastener elements are adapted to fasten to each other such that the attachment member forms a loop. The first fastener element and the second fastener element may form a one-time use fastener. Also provided are related systems and methods.