Above-ground pool support assembly with contour-matching insertion slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing above-ground pool support assemblies require complex and time-consuming installation and disassembly due to the large number of bolt fasteners and intricate connections, increasing the quantity of mounting parts and making the process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly for above-ground pools featuring a horizontal support member, a vertical support member, a first connecting member with a first insertion slot, and a second connecting member with a second insertion slot, allowing for prepositioning and simplified installation using a reduced number of parts and threaded fasteners, with each member having a specific contour to fit the support members and a protective cover for secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolt fastenings are used to connect horizontal support members and vertical posts, then the connection strength is improved, but the quantity of mounting parts increases and installation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connecting member, protective cover, and positioning features into a single integrated component. The connecting member includes a body with positioning protrusions and a protective cover with clamping features, eliminating the need for separate bolts, nuts, and alignment fixtures. This merging reduces the quantity of mounting parts while maintaining connection strength through the integrated clamping and positioning mechanism.
2Reliability
If multiple separate fixing members are used for vertical post connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the installation time and disassembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is pre-configured with positioning protrusions and clamping features that automatically align with and secure the vertical post during a single insertion action. The protective cover is pre-formed with convex teeth that engage with grooves on the horizontal support member, creating immediate stable connection without requiring sequential assembly steps. This preliminary configuration of connection features eliminates time-consuming alignment and fastening operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional bolt fastening systems are used, then the structural stability is improved, but the quantity of parts and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection, positional alignment through protrusions, protective coverage, and mechanical clamping through the protective cover. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized components (bolts for connection, washers for distribution, nuts for fastening, alignment tools) with a single universal component that performs all necessary functions, reducing the quantity of mounting parts while maintaining structural stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An above-ground pool is provided including a base; a surrounding wall having a lower edge joined to the base; and a pool liner, detachably connected to an inner side of the surrounding wall, the pool liner defining a water storage space therein. The above-ground pool further includes a support assembly comprising: a plurality of horizontal support members, a plurality of vertical support members, a plurality of first connecting members, each connecting an upper end of one of the plurality of vertical support members to two of the plurality of horizontal support members, and a plurality of second connecting members, each connecting a lower end of one of the plurality of vertical support members to the base. Each of the plurality of first connecting members comprises a first insertion slot having a shape corresponding to a contour of the one of the plurality of vertical support members. Each of the plurality of second connecting members comprises a second insertion slot having a shape corresponding to the contour of the one of the plurality of vertical support members.