Spa Accessory Mounting Assembly for Frame-Independent Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern spas with thin polymer side wall panels, backed by a rigid internal frame, struggle to support the weight of spa accessories like cover lifters, as the internal framing is not typically located at positions required for mounting, making it difficult to attach accessories without additional internal framing which is complex and time-consuming for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A spa accessory mounting assembly that includes an upper frame anchor, a lower frame anchor, and a bridging sleeve, allowing the accessory mount to be positioned at any required elevation without removing side wall panels or adding internal framing, using a horizontal foot for additional support and a movable upright support for adjustable mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If additional internal framing is added to support accessories, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate components: an upper frame anchor attached to the existing upper internal frame, a lower frame anchor attached to the existing lower internal frame, and a bridging sleeve that connects them. This segmentation allows the system to leverage existing structural elements rather than requiring additional comprehensive internal framing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridging sleeve acts as an intermediary element that connects the upper and lower frame anchors, creating a stable mounting structure without requiring additional internal framing. The bridging sleeve transfers and distributes loads between the existing frame elements, enabling accessory support through mediation rather than direct reinforcement.
2Strength
If additional internal framing is added to support accessories, then the structural strength is improved, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper and lower frame anchors are designed to attach to pre-existing internal frame elements, eliminating the need for preliminary construction of additional framing structures. The anchors are prepared in advance and can be directly mounted to the spa's existing frame without requiring prior structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segmented design allows each component (upper anchor, lower anchor, bridging sleeve) to be independently installed and positioned, enabling quick assembly without the time-consuming process of constructing and integrating additional internal framing throughout the spa structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the accessory mount is fixed at specific frame positions, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging sleeve is designed with a vertical slot that allows the accessory mount to be dynamically positioned at different heights along the sleeve's length. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same mounting assembly to adapt to various accessory requirements while maintaining precise attachment through the slot-guided movement and securement mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A spa accessory mounting assembly includes a lower anchor, and upright support, and an accessory mount. The lower anchor having a horizontal foot positionable under a spa. The upright support having a lower portion connected to the lower anchor, and an upper end positioned above the lower anchor. The accessory mount is connected to the upright support. At least one of: (i) the upright support is movable relative to the lower anchor between at least two upright support elevations, and the upright support is rigidly connectable to the lower anchor at each of the upright support elevations; and (ii) the accessory mount is movable relative to the upright support between at least two accessory mount elevations, and the accessory mount is rigidly connectable to the upright support at each of the accessory mount elevations.