Swimming Pool Staircase Step Integrating Cover Winding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool cover winding/unwinding devices are aesthetically unappealing, pose safety risks due to visible rollers, and require complex and costly masonry operations for installation, increasing production times and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the cover winding/unwinding device into the structure of a swimming pool by housing it within a staircase step, utilizing the internal volume for discreet and secure placement, with a sliding access panel and separate motor means for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the winding/unwinding device is placed in a separate box or under the pool bottom, then the device is protected and functional, but it requires complex masonry operations and increases manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the winding/unwinding device housing with the pool structure itself by utilizing the void space within the staircase steps. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective boxes and complex masonry operations, as the staircase structure serves dual purposes: providing pool access and housing the mechanical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The staircase steps are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide the conventional function of pool access while simultaneously serving as the protective housing for the winding/unwinding device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional structures and simplifies the overall construction process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the roller is installed without a casing, then installation is simpler, but the roller is visible and unsightly and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The device housing is merged with the staircase step structure, creating a built-in enclosure that protects the roller and provides a clean aesthetic appearance. The staircase step acts as both structural element and protective casing, eliminating the need for separate protective boxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The staircase step serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between the mechanical device and the external environment. It provides protection and aesthetic coverage while allowing the device to function normally, and the access panel provides controlled access when needed.
3Strength
If the staircase steps are made of traditional masonry, then they are structurally sound, but they do not provide internal volume for housing the device
Solution Approach 1:
The staircase is designed in advance with hollow steps that incorporate internal voids or cavities. This preliminary design decision ensures that the structural masonry elements inherently provide the necessary housing volume for the winding/unwinding device, eliminating the need for additional construction work.
Solution Approach 2:
The staircase structure is segmented into individual steps, each with its own internal void space. This segmentation allows the device to be distributed across multiple compartments or housed within a single step, providing flexible space utilization while maintaining the structural integrity of the masonry construction.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The pool has a staircase (2) with a step (21) extends over the length from a side (1) of the swimming pool, and a rolling and unrolling device (3) for rolling and unrolling a cover. The device (3) is housed in an internal volume (210) of the step. An access unit (212) accesses the internal volume and is movably mounted between the opening position and the closing position to permit the partial passage to the cover. The access unit is extended in upper part of the step in the horizontal plane.