Pivoting Spa Cover Assembly With Segmented Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spa covers are cumbersome for users, particularly elderly individuals, due to their weight and difficulty in lifting and moving between open and closed positions.
Innovation Solution
A spa assembly design featuring a roto-molded spa base with pivotally coupled cover assemblies and bracket assemblies that allow the covers to transition between closed and open positions, forming a shelf, with hand grips and guide walls for easier handling and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional two-piece spa covers are used, then the spa base is protected when closed, but the covers become cumbersome and difficult to lift and move between open and closed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The spa cover is divided into multiple independent cover pieces (first cover piece, second cover piece, third cover piece) that can be operated separately. Each cover piece has its own lifting mechanism and can be independently positioned, allowing users to lift only the necessary portions rather than moving an entire heavy cover assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Bracket assemblies serve as intermediary mechanical advantages between the cover pieces and the user. The brackets include pivot points and support structures that reduce the effective weight and effort required to lift and position each cover piece, acting as force multipliers that make the cover operation manageable for elderly users.
2Reliability
If traditional two-piece spa covers are used, then the spa base is protected when closed, but the covers require significant effort to open and close
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system transitions from a static, monolithic structure to a dynamic, multi-piece system with pivot points and articulated connections. The cover pieces can rotate and pivot relative to each other and the spa base, allowing gradual opening and closing motions that distribute the required force over time and reduce peak effort requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the cover into multiple independent pieces, each piece requires less force to move than the entire cover would require as a single unit. The distributed weight and separate lifting mechanisms reduce the total force needed by the user.
3Reliability
If traditional two-piece spa covers are used, then the spa base is protected when closed, but the covers are difficult to handle for elderly persons
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple smaller, manageable pieces that can be handled individually. Each cover piece is lighter and easier to grip, allowing elderly users to manage the cover system without requiring the strength needed to move a single heavy entire cover.
Solution Approach 2:
Bracket assemblies and support structures serve as mechanical intermediaries that reduce the effort required by elderly users. The brackets provide pivot points and support that lessen the weight and complexity of handling, making the cover operation accessible to users with limited strength.
4Reliability
If a single heavy cover is used, then the spa base is well protected, but the cover creates safety risks for elderly users
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is segmented into multiple lighter pieces that reduce the safety risks associated with handling heavy objects. Each cover piece is too light to cause injury or difficulty for elderly users, eliminating the safety hazards associated with lifting and maneuvering a single heavy cover.
Data Source
AI summary
Spa cover assemblies for use with a spa are contemplated herein. Each cover assembly is configured to pivotally couple to opposing end walls of the spa base and pivot between a closed position and an open position. Each cover assembly includes a first cover piece pivotally coupled to an end wall of the spa base, two bracket assemblies pivotally coupled to the end wall and the first cover piece, and a second cover piece pivotally coupled to the first cover piece. The second cover piece is substantially planar with the first cover piece when in the closed position and stacked on the first cover piece when in the open position. The first and second cover pieces form a shelf extending from the spa base when in the open position.