Spa Pool Cover Lifter With Articulated Folding Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spa pool cover lifters require users to manually fold articulated sections of the cover before lifting, posing an inconvenience, especially for those who cannot perform this task due to age, infirmity, or cover weight, and may not allow complete removal of the cover from the spa rim.
Innovation Solution
A spa pool assembly with a cover lifter system featuring first and second arms rotatable about pivotal connections to the spa pool sides, pivotally connected to respective sections of the spa pool cover, allowing the arms to rotate and fold the cover sections together, enabling complete removal of the cover from the spa rim without manual folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual folding of articulated cover sections is required before lifting, then the cover can be folded together, but user convenience deteriorates especially for those with mobility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The cover sections are pre-articulated with hinge connections that automatically enable folding when the cover is placed on the spa. The lifting mechanism is designed to engage with these pre-configured sections, eliminating the need for users to manually fold anything before lifting occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover's articulated structure is designed to self-fold when positioned on the spa due to the hinge connections and gravity. The lifting mechanism simply needs to engage with the already-folded sections, making the system self-servicing and eliminating manual folding requirements.
2Ease of operation
If integrated actuators are added to the cover to automate folding, then manual folding is eliminated, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The folding function is extracted from the cover itself and transferred to the lifting mechanism. Instead of adding actuators to the cover, the system uses the existing articulated hinge connections and the lifting mechanism's motion to achieve automatic folding, separating the folding function from the lifting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it lifts the cover and simultaneously utilizes the articulated sections to fold the cover automatically. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators in the cover while achieving automation.
3Ease of operation
If the cover is designed to be completely removable from the rim, then accessibility is improved, but the lifting mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple articulated sections connected by hinges, allowing each section to move independently. This segmentation enables the cover to be folded and removed from the rim using a relatively simple lifting mechanism that engages with individual sections rather than requiring a complex overall lifting system.
Data Source
AI summary
A spa pool cover lifter and a spa pool assembly comprising a spa pool and a spa pool cover lifter are disclosed. The spa pool cover lifter may include a first arm pivotally attached to a first section of an articulated spa pool cover and a second arm pivotally attached to a second section of the articulated spa pool cover. The first and second arms may be configured such that rotation of the first arm causes the first and second sections of the spa pool cover to fold together. An actuator and controller is disclosed. A mechanical linkage between the actuator and first arm is disclosed. The mechanical linkage may be an over-rotation linkage.