Removable Pool Cover Anchors for Deck Boards and Soft Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool cover mounting anchors are permanently fixed to decking material, creating an unsightly appearance and potential safety hazards when the pool is open, and temporary anchors lack sufficient anchoring security without compromising aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A removable pool anchor device with a planar bracket portion and a second section that can be inserted between deck boards or driven into the ground, allowing for secure installation and easy removal without leaving large holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent mounting anchors are fixed to decking material, then secure anchoring for pool covers is achieved, but unsightly appearance and safety hazards occur when pool is open
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting anchor is designed with a removable feature, transitioning from a static permanent fixture to a dynamic component that can be installed and removed as needed. The anchor includes a mounting plate with fastening elements that allow it to be securely attached to the deck when the pool cover is in place, and easily removed when the pool is opened, thus maintaining both security and aesthetics at different times
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting anchor is designed to be temporarily installed rather than permanently fixed. After serving its purpose of securing the pool cover during the offseason, the anchor can be removed and potentially reused in subsequent years, preventing the permanent aesthetic damage and safety hazards associated with fixed anchors while the pool is in use
2Reliability
If mounting anchors are drilled or screwed into surrounding material, then secure fixation is achieved, but large mounting holes and discomfort to bare feet result
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed with a relatively large surface area that distributes the anchoring force over a wider region of the deck. This local distribution of stress prevents the need for large-diameter mounting holes while ensuring secure fixation. The plate's geometry and material properties are optimized to provide adequate anchoring strength without requiring extensive penetration into the deck structure
3Manufacturing precision
If mounting anchors are permanently fixed during deck installation, then precise positioning is achieved, but ease of removal and reusability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting anchor is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated fastening elements that can be independently installed and removed. The mounting plate, fastening mechanism, and pool cover attachment components are segmented into modular elements that work together to provide precise positioning during installation while enabling easy removal and potential reuse in subsequent installations
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor device and a method of installing a pool cover with and without a surrounding deck. The anchor device having a planar portion, a bracket insert, and a downwardly projecting leg. The downwardly projecting leg is inserted into a slot between deck boards from where a user will tilt and press the anchor down such that the planar portion is partially in contact with the deck boards. If a pool is surrounded by a soft ground material, the method utilizes pool anchors having a spiral portion and a hex drive body at the first end of the spiral portion. The anchor is driven into the ground via the hex drive body to a desired depth, an anchor screw is inserted into the hex drive body, and a pool cover mount is attached to the anchor screw.