Pool Skimmer Adapter Plates for Variable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swimming pool skimmer installations face challenges in accommodating varying skimmer sizes and shapes, particularly in panel-type pools where on-site modifications are difficult, leading to compatibility issues and limited flexibility in skimmer assembly selection.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of external and internal adapter plates with elongated through holes and adjustable cavities allows for secure mounting of skimmers with varying sizes and shapes, enabling a single pool wall or panel to accommodate multiple skimmer assemblies by using adapter plates that can be mounted via mechanical fasteners, and optionally including sealing devices to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single pre-cut hole in the pool wall is used, then installation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different skimmer sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter plate as an intermediary component between the fixed pre-cut hole in the pool wall and the variable skimmer assembly. The adapter plate has a standardized outer shape that fits the pre-cut hole and an adjustable internal cavity that can accommodate different skimmer sizes and shapes, thus mediating the incompatibility between fixed installation openings and variable skimmer dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter plate incorporates an adjustable internal cavity that can be modified to fit different skimmer assemblies. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same adapter plate to adapt to various skimmer sizes and shapes without requiring multiple pre-cut holes or custom fabrication, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If on-site cutting of pool panels is performed, then adaptability to different skimmer sizes is improved, but construction difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter plate is pre-fabricated with a standardized outer shape and an adjustable internal cavity. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site cutting and modification of pool panels, as the adapter plate can be installed into a standard pre-cut hole and then adjusted to fit the specific skimmer assembly being installed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pre-cut holes are provided for different skimmers, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter plate is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different skimmer assemblies through its adjustable internal cavity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to create multiple specialized openings in the pool wall for different skimmer types, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Mounting arrangements for pool skimmers, methods for mounting pool skimmers, pool skimmer adapter plates, and pool skimmer installation kits are provided that provide unique opportunities to overcome the limitations of the prior art. Aspects of the invention include an external adapter plate having an internal cavity sized to receive an inlet of a pool skimmer assembly and an internal adapter plate having an internal cavity positioned to at least partially align with an inlet opening of the inlet of the pool skimmer assembly. The use of the adapter plates allows the pool designer and installer broad latitude in selecting a proper skimmer assembly with minimal if any impact upon the design of the pool wall or panel used. Aspects of the invention are uniquely adapted to panel-type pool construction, but may be adaptable for any pool skimmer installation.