Threaded Skimmer Nut for Uniform Pool Wall Seal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional wall-mounted skimmer systems for above-ground pools are difficult and time-consuming to install due to the number of screws required for a watertight seal, and the compression force is not uniformly distributed, often resulting in an incomplete seal.

Innovation Solution

A threaded attachment system using a skimmer unit securing nut that creates a watertight seal by being hand-tightened onto a threaded intake, with a seal ring and additional gaskets to ensure a secure fit between the skimmer unit and the pool wall, eliminating the need for multiple screws and ensuring uniform compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple screws are used to attach the skimmer basket and bracket to the vertical wall, then the attachment strength is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple attachment functions into a single integrated threaded insert system. The threaded insert replaces multiple separate screws and sealing components, merging the attachment and sealing functions into one unified mechanism that simplifies installation while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded insert serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural attachment, creates a watertight seal, and distributes compression forces. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate screws, gaskets, and sealing mechanisms, reducing installation steps while maintaining attachment integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple screws are used to create a watertight seal, then the sealing coverage is improved, but the uniformity of compression force deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewatertight seal reliabilityVSAvoiduniformity of compression force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded insert concentrates sealing action at the critical interface between the skimmer basket and pool wall. By placing the threading directly in the wall and having the nut compress the seal ring at this specific location, the system achieves reliable sealing where it is most needed, with uniform force distribution across the seal interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sealing mechanism from discrete screw compression to continuous threaded compression. The threaded insert with external nut creates a progressive compression force that evenly distributes pressure across the seal ring, ensuring uniform contact and reliable watertight sealing without the force distribution problems of multiple screws.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If screws are overtightened to ensure sealing, then the seal reliability is improved, but the pool wall integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal reliabilityVSAvoidpool wall damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal ring acts as a cushioning element between the threaded insert and the pool wall. This compliant sealing component distributes and absorbs compression forces, preventing excessive point loads that could damage the pool wall while still achieving reliable sealing. The seal ring deforms to accommodate minor variations in wall surface and fastening force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal ring functions as a flexible element that conforms to the interface between the skimmer basket and pool wall. This flexibility allows the seal to maintain reliable contact under varying compression forces, achieving watertight sealing without requiring excessive tightening that could damage the rigid pool wall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 system allows for easy and convenient installation of the skimmer, providing a reliable watertight seal without the need for overtightening, which can damage the pool wall, and maintains the integrity of the seal over time.

Implementation Method 1

the compression provided by the screws often fails to create a watertight seal as the force provided by the screws, which are dispersed apart from one another, is not uniform across the surface of the bracket, skimmer basket, or vertical wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11193289B2Threaded attachment system for wall-mounted pool skimmer

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 POLYGROUP MACAU BVI

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed towards skimmer systems for above-ground pools. In particular, the present disclosure relates to skimmer systems that are easily installed to the side wall of an above-ground pool. In addition, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a skimmer system for an above-ground pool that provides for an improved watertight seal between the skimmer system and the side wall of the pool. Further, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a weir that is easily installed into and removed from a skimmer system according to a user's needs.