Thermo-insulating Cover Handling Device for Swim Spas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for manually handling thermo-insulating covers of large swim spas require excessive force and can cause fatigue and deformation due to uneven force distribution, especially when transitioning between closed and open positions, and storage is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A device where the carrier segment is rotatably mounted above the spa's edge plane, with a travelling wheel that maintains contact with the spa's edge from opening to full opening, allowing easier operation and distributing forces more evenly through multiple hinges and a gas pressure spring system, enabling single-person operation and preventing spontaneous release in the open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the thermo-insulating cover is made large to cover swim spas, then the insulation effectiveness is improved, but the weight and handling difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into two separate segments that can be handled independently. Each segment is equipped with its own handling device, allowing one person to operate them separately rather than moving the entire large cover at once, thus resolving the contradiction between large coverage area and handling ease.
Solution Approach 2:
A handling device with a carrying member acts as an intermediary between the operator and the heavy cover segment. This intermediary mechanism provides mechanical advantage through levers and force transmission, enabling a single person to handle segments that would otherwise be too heavy and difficult to move.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling devices are used to reduce operating force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device incorporates dynamic elements including a movable carrying member that can be positioned at different locations on the cover segment, and levers that move through different positions during operation. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to the changing mechanical requirements during the opening and closing process while maintaining relatively simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device utilizes the weight of the cover segment itself and the mechanical advantage of the lever system to provide the necessary operating force. The accumulation member stores and releases energy to assist the operator, creating a self-assisting system that reduces the force the operator must apply without requiring complex external power sources or complex control mechanisms.
3Strength
If the carrier segment is mounted above the spa edge plane, then the force distribution is improved and deformation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier segment mounting is elevated from the traditional edge plane to a position above it, utilizing the vertical dimension to create a more favorable force distribution geometry. This dimensional change allows the handling forces to be applied more effectively and distributed across multiple hinges, preventing deformation while maintaining relatively simple mounting structures.
4Reliability
If the travelling wheel maintains continuous contact with the spa edge, then the stability and control are improved, but the friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulation member functions as a pneumatic or elastic energy storage device that provides controlled force through gas pressure or elastic deformation. This allows the travelling wheel to maintain gentle, controlled contact with the spa edge throughout the motion, ensuring stability and reliability while minimizing harmful friction and wear through smooth, progressive force application rather than abrupt mechanical engagement.
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
This solution reduces the operational force required for opening and closing the cover, prevents deformation of the spa structure, and allows for secure, single-person handling of large thermo-insulating covers, enhancing safety and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the device comprises means for decreasing the angle between the bottom surfaces of the thermo-insulating segments from 180° to 0° during opening the thermo-insulating cover, and for increasing this angle from 0° to 180° during closing the thermo-insulating cover, whereby these means comprise a gas pressure spring
Implementation Method 2
a travelling wheel is mounted on each side at the front end of the carried segment... the circumference of the travelling wheel is in contact with the edge of the spa
Implementation Method 3
The two segments are rotatably connected to each other and in the closed position are lying by their bottom surfaces on the circumference of the spa... means for decreasing the angle between the bottom surfaces of the thermo-insulating segments
Data Source
AI summary
A spa includes a thermo-insulating cover having a carrier segment and a carried segment rotatably connected to each other along an axis or rotation, the carrier segment rotatably mounted along an axis of rotation on and above a plane of an edge of the spa. An accumulation member has a fixed portion mounted on the spa and a movable portion that transmits force to the carrier segment. A travelling wheel is mounted on each opposite side at a front end of the carried segment, the wheels having a circumference equal to a distance of the front end of the carried segment spaced from the edge of the spa in the open position of the cover.