Telescopic Shelter Corner Element for Module Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescopic swimming pool shelters face issues with a large footprint, high weight, and difficult maneuverability due to their design, which limits their versatility and ease of use, especially when dealing with uneven terraces and copings, and existing solutions for handling the facades are cumbersome and unsightly.
Innovation Solution
A corner element for telescopic shelters that allows horizontal translational movement between modules, featuring a lateral open cavity for guide elements, a slideway for reduced friction, and adjustable connections for easy assembly and maintenance, along with a design that facilitates the use of roller guide elements to minimize module movement and accommodate different coping heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If telescopic shelters use traditional design with increasing module widths, then modules can retract one under the other, but the footprint and overall weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by allowing modules to be stored one under another in the folded position. The corner element design with receiving cavities enables smaller modules to be positioned within the space occupied by larger modules, achieving compact storage without requiring each module to be progressively wider than the previous one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including roller guide elements that can move between engaged and disengaged positions, and corner elements with cavities that receive and guide modules during retraction. This dynamic system allows modules to be maneuvered into nested positions without requiring fixed increasing widths.
2Device complexity
If all longitudinal edges are placed on the same plane, then the structure is simplified, but all modules must be placed on the terrace when coping and terrace are at different levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing vertical dimensionality through corner elements with receiving cavities. Instead of requiring all modules to lie flat on the same plane, the design allows modules to be positioned at different vertical levels within the coping structure, accommodating level differences between coping and terrace while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Strength
If heavy weight modules are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manipulation and movement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces roller guide elements as intermediary components between the modules and the ground/coping. These rollers reduce friction and enable easy maneuvering of modules during deployment and retraction, while the modules themselves maintain their structural integrity through the corner element design with integrated receiving cavities.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rail guidance or lateral guidance is added to prevent crabbing, then module stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guidance function into the corner elements themselves. The receiving cavities in the corner elements provide both structural support and guidance functionality, eliminating the need for separate rail guidance or lateral guidance systems. This integration maintains module stability while reducing overall device complexity.
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 reduces the number of assembly parts, enhances maneuverability by minimizing friction and weight distribution, and provides ergonomic handling mechanisms, making it easier to deploy and retract the shelter while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a second part (915) adapted to at least partially receive a wheel (310-1, 310-2) whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to said bank
Implementation Method 2
an open slideway, parallel to said edge, formed on the side opposite to said cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a corner element for a telescopic mobile shelter structure formed of at least two modules, such as a swimming pool enclosure. The modules are aligned along a longitudinal axis, each module comprising at least one portion adapted to be placed on the ground. The modules are fixed to each other by connecting elements with at least one degree of freedom, allowing one of the modules to have a substantially horizontal translational movement, along the longitudinal axis of the modules, relative to the second module. The corner element comprises a first visible portion (905), a second portion (915) adapted to receive at least partially an edge, and a third portion (910) adapted to receive at least partially an arch.The first part includes an open cavity (920) on its side, formed in a side adjacent to the second part, this cavity being adapted to receive a guide element such as a trolley guide element or a connecting element. The first part also includes an open slide (935), parallel to the edge, formed on the side opposite the cavity. The second part includes a cavity (945) open downwards adapted to receive a roller whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the edge.