Asymmetric Spa Cover Hinge Layout for Hidden Undersides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spa tub covers suffer from heat loss, unsightly discoloration of lower surfaces, and safety concerns, particularly with children, due to their design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A spa tub cover system with first and second portions coupled by a living hinge at the lower surface, featuring different lengths to prevent coplanarity in the open configuration, allowing the upper surface to face users while the lower surfaces face each other, and incorporating a lifter mechanism with a debris shield and integrated audio/video devices, along with a supplemental shade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lower surfaces of the cover portions are placed facing outward when the cover is opened, then the cover can be easily opened and accessed, but the discolored lower surfaces become visible and unsightly to users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional cover opening mechanism by having the cover portions fold upward and inward rather than outward. This causes the lower surfaces (which face the water and become discolored) to face each other when opened, while the upper surfaces face the users, thereby solving the visual appearance problem while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional arrangement of the cover portions by introducing a vertical folding dimension. Instead of horizontal outward folding, the cover portions fold upward and inward along a vertical axis, creating a configuration where discolored surfaces are oriented toward each other rather than toward users
2Reliability
If multiple locks are provided on each cover portion to prevent child access, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking functions into a single integrated lock mechanism. Rather than providing separate locks for each cover portion, one lock controls both cover portions simultaneously, maintaining child safety while reducing device complexity and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The single lock mechanism serves multiple functions by controlling both cover portions. This universal lock provides the same safety function for multiple cover sections, reducing the total number of components while maintaining comprehensive safety
3Ease of operation
If a gap is created between cover portions to allow folding, then the cover can be opened and accessed, but heat loss increases from the gap area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful gap into a beneficial configuration by orienting it vertically rather than horizontally. The gap between folded cover portions is positioned above the water level, transforming what would be a heat loss pathway into a non-problematic air space that does not directly expose warm water to ambient air
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
The solution enhances heat retention, hides unsightly lower surfaces, improves safety by preventing child access, and provides additional functionality like audio/video integration and shading, addressing the limitations of prior art covers.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge 22 is constructed of the same vinyl material as the casing material. In order to prevent premature wear of the hinge 22 during folding, the hinge is sufficiently wide to prevent it from being subjected to excessive strain.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first and second portions 14, 16 are constructed of insulative foam slabs provided within a water-resistant vinyl casing material.
Implementation Method 3
Often a cover lifter 34 (FIG. 3) is provided for mechanical advantage to assist a user in lifting the cover and to temporarily hold the cover in a folded generally vertically orientation during spa use.
Implementation Method 4
The bar is then rotated to lift and support the cover at the hinge.
Data Source
AI summary
A spa cover includes first and second portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second portions, which face the spa tub water when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.