Above-Ground Pool Window Interlocking Retainer Bracket

Solution Overview

Problem

Above-ground pool windows face mechanical stress and deformation due to water weight, and traditional designs often require multiple parts and fasteners for attachment.

Innovation Solution

A window system comprising a window portion with a peripheral rim and a retainer bracket, where the rim and bracket interlock without additional fasteners, using a joint for strain relief and a watertight connection, formed from materials like ABS and PVC for strength and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional window attachment methods are used with multiple parts and fasteners, then the window can be attached to the pool wall, but the connection is vulnerable to mechanical stress and deformation from water weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer bracket integrates multiple functions into a single component: it includes both the peripheral rim junction for interlocking with the window portion and the peripheral plate for attaching to the pool wall. The joint connecting these two elements is built-in, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing the total number of parts while maintaining secure attachment under water pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer bracket is designed with distinct functional zones: the peripheral rim junction for window attachment, the joint for strain relief, and the peripheral plate for wall mounting. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while being integrated into a single component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connections are used between window portion and pool wall, then structural stability is achieved, but the connection cannot accommodate movement or deformation under water pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The joint connecting the peripheral rim junction and peripheral plate is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to deform and accommodate movement caused by water pressure while maintaining the overall structural stability of the window attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If additional sealants or adhesives are used to ensure watertight connection, then sealing is improved, but the complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking connection between the peripheral rim and peripheral rim junction is designed to create a watertight seal through its own geometry and fit, without requiring external sealants or adhesives. The structure itself provides the sealing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3619377B1Window for an above-ground pool

Publication Date: 2022.10.05

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A window for an above-ground pool is provided. The window includes a window portion (200) and a retainer bracket (250). The window portion (200) includes a window pane (210) and a peripheral rim (220) around a perimeter of the window pane (210). The peripheral rim (220) defines grooves (230) between inner and outer flanges (245, 235) on opposite side of the peripheral rim (220). The retainer bracket (250) includes a peripheral rim junction (260), a peripheral plate (270) and a joint (265) connecting the peripheral rim junction (260) and the peripheral plate (270).