Sealing Blind Rivet for Swimming Pool Component Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting pool components, such as screw connections, are prone to leakage and corrosion, especially in stainless steel swimming pools, requiring specialized personnel and increased assembly time, which is costly and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
The use of sealing blind rivets to create a tight mechanical and sealing connection between pool components, allowing for quick and high-quality assembly by less experienced personnel, even in difficult-to-reach areas, while providing long-lasting protection against liquids and gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If screw connections are used to connect pool components, then assembly speed is improved, but sealing quality deteriorates leading to liquid ingress and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical fastening function and the sealing function into a single integrated blind rivet component. The blind rivet includes a rivet body that mechanically connects the support element to the pool shell, and a sealing element integrated within the rivet body that prevents liquid ingress. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealants or gaskets, achieving both quick assembly and reliable sealing in one operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component within the blind rivet structure. It is positioned between the support element and the pool shell, creating a barrier against liquid penetration. The sealing element deforms under riveting pressure to conform to the contact surfaces, ensuring effective sealing without requiring additional sealing materials or complex assembly steps.
2Reliability
If sealants are applied to screw connections to prevent liquid ingress, then sealing quality is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing function directly into the blind rivet structure, combining what were previously separate functions (mechanical fastening and sealing) into a single component. The sealing element is built into the rivet body, eliminating the need for separate sealant application steps and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind rivet with integrated sealing element performs both fastening and sealing functions through a single self-contained component. The sealing element automatically deforms and seals the connection during the riveting process itself, without requiring external sealants or additional sealing operations. This self-service approach simplifies the assembly process while ensuring reliable protection against liquid ingress.
3Strength
If welded joints are used to connect pool components, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical blind rivet connection system. Instead of using thermal energy and skilled welding operations, the solution uses a mechanically operated blind rivet tool that deforms the rivet body to create a strong mechanical bond between the support element and the pool shell. This substitution maintains connection strength while dramatically reducing assembly time and eliminating the need for specialized welding skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind rivet connection achieves high connection strength through controlled deformation parameters. During installation, the rivet body is deformed by a controlled amount to create a secure mechanical interlock with the pool shell. This parameter-controlled deformation process ensures consistent, high-strength connections that are as reliable as welded joints but can be installed quickly by unskilled workers using a simple manual tool.
4Reliability
If multiple separate components are used to achieve both mechanical connection and sealing, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical connection function and the sealing function into a single integrated blind rivet component. The rivet body provides the mechanical fastening, while the integrated sealing element prevents liquid ingress. This consolidation maintains the reliability benefits of having both functions while eliminating the time loss associated with installing multiple separate components in sequence.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support structure (1) for attaching at least one attachment (2) to a swimming pool (3), a wall element (22), and a swimming pool (3). The invention also relates to the use of sealing blind rivets (5) for connecting pool components of a swimming pool. The support structure (1) comprises at least one support element (4) which is connected to the at least one attachment (2) by means of at least one sealing blind rivet (5), wherein the at least one sealing blind rivet (5) is designed to seal against liquids and/or gases.