Segmented Water Bonding Fixture for Confined Pool Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water bonding solutions for swimming pools and similar facilities often fail to meet legal requirements for electrical potential equalization, particularly in confined spaces where a single large conductive plate is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A water bonding fixture comprising multiple electrically conductive plates spaced apart to allow water flow, with a shaft and seals for secure installation, ensuring a total surface area of at least 9 square inches for compliance with building codes, and a grounding mechanism to prevent electrical shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single large conductive plate is used to meet the 9 square inch surface area requirement, then the electrical bonding requirement is satisfied, but the fixture cannot be installed in confined spaces and obstructs water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The single large conductive plate is divided into multiple smaller conductive plates (typically three plates) that are arranged in a triangular configuration. Each plate has a surface area of at least 3 square inches, and the combined surface area of all plates provides at least 9 square inches of conductive contact with the water, satisfying the bonding requirement while fitting into confined spaces without obstruction
2Ease of operation
If multiple smaller conductive plates are used to fit confined spaces, then installability is improved, but the total conductive surface area may be insufficient to meet legal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive surface is segmented into multiple plates (typically three) arranged in a triangular configuration, where each plate contributes to the total conductive area. The design ensures that the combined surface area of all plates provides at least 9 square inches of conductive contact with the water, meeting legal requirements while maintaining compact dimensions for confined space installation
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple conductive plates are arranged in a three-dimensional triangular configuration within the confined space, utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to maximize the total conductive surface area while maintaining a compact footprint that fits within pump housings and other confined areas
3Volume of stationary object
If conductive plates are placed close together to save space, then device compactness is improved, but water flow may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive plates are segmented and arranged in a triangular configuration with gaps between them. These gaps are positioned to align with water flow paths, ensuring that water can freely pass through the fixture while the plates maintain their conductive function. The triangular arrangement optimizes the balance between compact volume and unobstructed water flow
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 fixture effectively grounds the water, preventing unequal electrical potentials and ensuring safety by accommodating the legal requirements in both new and existing systems, including small spaces where a single large plate would obstruct.
Implementation Method 1
the water in the swimming pool must be in contact with a corrosion resistant conductor of at least 9 square inches of surface area
Data Source
AI summary
A water bonding fixture is provided herein which includes a shaft and a plurality of electrically conductive plates disposed at one end of the shaft and spaced apart from each other so as to provide a gap between adjacent plates. Each electrically conductive plate defines two planar surfaces each of which are substantially exposed and each electrically conductive plate is electrically connected to each other electrically conductive plate to provide a surface area of conductive surface approximately equal to the exposed surface area of all of the electrically conductive plates. The water bonding fixture is preferably used in conjunction with swimming pool equipment such as pool pumps, skimmers and filters.