Frame Pool Support Sleeve Assembly for Rust-Free Snap Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current above-ground pool support systems suffer from water ingress into the support members, leading to poor rust prevention and a complex mounting process.

Innovation Solution

A support assembly featuring mounting sleeves with a snap-fitting mechanism and elastic arms to securely connect above-ground support members to horizontal support members, preventing water entry and simplifying the mounting process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If through holes are formed at end portions of above-ground support members and mounting holes are formed at bottoms of horizontal support members with connecting members, then the support members can be connected, but water is likely to enter the insides of the above-ground support members causing poor rust prevention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverust preventionVSAvoidwater ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A mounting sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the above-ground support member and the horizontal support member. The mounting sleeve has a closed cavity structure that accommodates the connection interface, preventing water from reaching the interior of the above-ground support member while still allowing mechanical connection through snap-fitting mechanisms and elastic arms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If through holes and mounting holes with connecting members are used, then support members can be connected, but the mounting process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting processVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting sleeve integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the connection interface, houses the snap-fitting mechanism, contains the elastic arms for securing, and acts as a water barrier. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate through holes, mounting holes, and multiple connecting members, significantly simplifying the mounting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic arms automatically engage with the snap-fitting portion when the mounting sleeve is installed, providing self-securing functionality without requiring additional fastening operations. The snap-fitting mechanism automatically locks into place, making the mounting process intuitive and tool-free.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively prevents water ingress, enhancing rust prevention and facilitating quick and easy assembly, thereby extending the service life and ensuring safety of the pool frame.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic arm comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to an edge of the slot; and a protrusion arranged at the second end and snap-fitting with the through hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4528049A1Support assembly and frame pool
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL
  • EP4528049A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4528049A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4528049A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a support assembly, comprising: a first horizontal support member, at least one mounting hole being provided in a lower surface of an outer wall of the first horizontal support member; an above-ground support member having at least one mounting end; mounting sleeves arranged in the mounting holes, the mounting sleeve each comprising: a mounting sleeve body comprising a first side wall and an accommodating cavity, the accommodating cavity accommodating the mounting end; and at least one fixing portion arranged on the first side wall, each of the at least one fixing portion being configured to arrange the mounting end in the mounting sleeve. The present invention has a good rust prevention effect and is convenient and fast to mount. The present invention further provides a frame pool comprising the support assembly.