Pool Skimmer Mounting Arrangement for Insulated Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swimming pool skimmer installations are inflexible and require modifications to the pool panel or skimmer assembly to accommodate varying sizes and shapes, which is challenging for panel-type pools with pre-fabricated construction.
Innovation Solution
A pool skimmer mounting arrangement that includes adapter plates with internal and external cavities and perforations, allowing for the skimmer assembly to be mounted on insulated pool walls with pre-existing holes, accommodating different skimmer sizes and shapes by using fasteners to secure the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If pre-cut perforations are used in prefabricated panel units, then installation time is reduced, but adaptability to varying skimmer sizes and shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the pre-cut perforation in the pool panel and the skimmer assembly. The adapter plate has a receptacle that receives the pre-cut perforation and a mounting surface that accommodates various skimmer assemblies. This intermediary allows the rigid pre-cut hole to adapt to different skimmer sizes and shapes without requiring modification of the pool panel itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If on-site cutting of pool panels is performed, then adaptability to skimmer assembly dimensions is improved, but manufacturing precision and structural integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pool panels are pre-fabricated with pre-cut perforations of standard sizes during the manufacturing process, ensuring high precision and structural integrity. The adapter plate is designed to accommodate variations in skimmer assembly dimensions by providing adjustment mechanisms and multiple mounting configurations, eliminating the need for on-site cutting while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Shape
If custom skimmer assemblies are fabricated for each pool, then perfect fit is achieved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter plate is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types and sizes of skimmer assemblies through a single standardized interface. The adapter plate includes a receptacle for the pre-cut perforation and a mounting surface with multiple hole patterns and adjustment mechanisms that can adapt to different skimmer configurations. This universal design eliminates the need for custom fabrication while achieving a proper fit.
Data Source
AI summary
Mounting arrangements for pool skimmers, methods for mounting pool skimmers, and pool skimmer installation kits are disclosed which overcome the limitations of the prior art. Aspects of the invention include a pool skimmer mounting arrangement for mounting a skimmer assembly on an insulated wall of a pool. The pool wall may have an internal side panel, an external side panel, and internal insulation. The mounting arrangements include a penetration in the internal side panel of the pool wall; an adapter plate having an internal cavity and perforations mounted over the penetration in internal side panel; a penetration in the external side panel adapted to receive the inlet of the skimmer assembly; and fasteners adapted to engage the perforations in the adapter plate and the skimmer assembly to mount the skimmer assembly to the insulated pool wall. Methods of practicing the invention and installation kits are also provided.