Rotomolded Spa Base Lifting Channels and Stacking Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotomolded spas face challenges in structural integrity, particularly with the rim portion being vulnerable to deformation under weight, leading to issues with sealing, energy inefficiencies, and an unsightly appearance, and they are cumbersome for transportation and storage due to the need for pallets which increase space requirements and risk of slippage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating channels in the base for direct lifting and peripheral recesses for snug stacking, with modular panels to cover these features when not in use, allowing for safer handling and reduced space requirements during transportation and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pallets are used for transporting and storing spas, then the spas can be easily moved and stacked, but the space requirements increase and the risk of sideways slippage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pallet from the system by integrating lifting channels directly into the spa base. The channels are sized to receive lifting means (such as forklift forks) directly, eliminating the need for separate pallets and reducing storage space requirements while maintaining ease of transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting channels are merged with the spa base structure, combining the functions of the base and the pallet into a single integrated component. This integration allows the spa to be both structurally sound and easily transportable without requiring additional pallet infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If pallets are used for transporting and storing spas, then the spas can be easily moved and stacked, but the risk of sideways slippage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the pallet intermediary and using channels integrated into the base, the patent eliminates the interface between pallet and spa that causes slippage. The channels provide a positive mechanical engagement that prevents sideways movement while maintaining ease of lifting and transport.
3Strength
If the rim portion is over-designed to withstand weight and prevent deformation, then structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating structural reinforcement at specific critical locations (the rim portion and base channels) rather than uniformly thickening the entire structure. This localized approach provides necessary strength while minimizing overall material usage and manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a spa. The spa generally having a unibody shell having a base, a peripheral wall extending from the base up to a rim portion, a basin suspended from the rim portion, and at least one opening in the peripheral wall, the basin, the rim portion, the peripheral wall and the base defining a cavity therebetween, the at least one opening exposing the cavity, the base having a pair of channels recessed from the base towards the cavity; and a modular panel having a main panel covering the opening while exposing the pair of channels, and a subpanel engageable to the main panel and covering at least partially the pair of channels.