Submerged Pool Cover Layout for Rounded-Corner Safety Compliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic pool cover systems struggle to comply with safety standards when installed in swimming pools with non-right angles, such as rounded corners, due to constraints on the width of the opening required for the floating cover passage.
Innovation Solution
The cover device features a submerged platform with an opening located under the front end, allowing a free passage for the floating deck without obstructions, and a reversed rotation direction for the winding axis to facilitate unrolling and rolling, minimizing the need for guidance systems and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the opening width is reduced to meet safety standards, then safety compliance is improved, but the floating cover cannot pass through in pools with rounded corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by positioning the opening at the front end of the platform rather than the rear end. This reversal allows the floating cover to pass through the opening when the platform is located at the rounded corner, enabling both safety compliance and adaptability to non-right angle pools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension by locating the opening at the front end of the platform, which allows the system to accommodate pools with rounded corners while maintaining compliance with safety standards regarding opening width
2Reliability
If a vertical partition wall is added to form a box around the axis, then safety and aesthetics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the platform and vertical partition wall into an integrated structure where the opening is formed by the spatial relationship between these components. This combination provides safety protection and aesthetic concealment while avoiding the need for separate, additional components
3Ease of operation
If the platform is positioned deeper in the water, then the floating cover can pass smoothly, but the platform becomes harder to access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the platform at a specific depth that is optimized for cover passage while the vertical partition wall provides structural support and aesthetic concealment. This localized positioning allows the platform to be deeper for smooth operation while maintaining accessibility through the vertical wall structure
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
Enables the installation of a pool cover system that meets safety standards by providing a free passage and reducing mechanical complexity, while ensuring smooth operation and compliance with non-right angle pool designs.
Implementation Method 1
a floating cover—or slatted cover—made up of several interlocking floating slats
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a pool cover device comprising a closed position and an open position, the pool comprising a first wall, the cover device comprising a submerged winding axis disposed near the first wall of the pool, a floating cover adapted to cover the pool in the closed position and to be wound around the winding axis in the open position, a submerged platform covering the winding axis and the wound floating cover in the open position, the platform comprising a first end, called the rear end, provided to be positioned near the first wall, and a second end, called the front end, opposite the rear end, the cover device comprising an opening on the side of the front end of the platform,The opening allows the floating apron to pass between the open and closed positions of the cover device.