Universal Double Dog Gear Assembly for Pool Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double dog gear mechanisms in motorized pool cover systems suffer from high failure rates due to galling, grinding, and excessive wear, and are side-specific, limiting their installation flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A double dog gear assembly with square teeth that requires only a quarter turn for full engagement, reducing galling and wear, and a reversible motor with a control gear that can be installed on either side of the pool, allowing universal left or right side installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double dog gear mechanism with interlocking teeth is used to selectively engage two output shafts, then the pool cover can be opened and closed, but the gear teeth engage at high speed causing galling, grinding, and excessive wear leading to high failure rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the gear teeth by using square teeth instead of traditional interlocking teeth. This parameter change reduces the engagement speed and eliminates galling and grinding, thereby reducing the failure rate of the double dog gear mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional double dog gear mechanism is used, then the pool cover can be operated, but the mechanism is side-specific and cannot be installed on either side of the pool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the double dog gear mechanism with square teeth that can be universally installed on either the left or right side of the pool. This universal design eliminates the need for side-specific mechanisms, allowing the same gear assembly to function in both installation configurations
3Reliability
If the drive gear rotates 90 to 180 degrees before full engagement, then the pool cover can be moved, but this causes broken gears, worn teeth edges, broken ropes, and potential system stall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the engagement parameter by using square teeth that engage with a quarter turn instead of requiring 90 to 180 degrees of rotation. This parameter change reduces the engagement distance and prevents excessive wear, breaking, and system stalling
Data Source
AI summary
A double dog gear assembly having a hollow cylindrical body member extending along a longitudinal axis between a first gear face and a second gear face. A first set of elongated pin slots are formed in the hollow cylindrical body member and spiral in a first direction. A second set of elongated pin slots formed are also formed in the hollow cylindrical body member and spiral in a second direction, which is different than the first direction. A locking pin selectively engages one of the first and second set of elongated pin slots such that the gear assembly can be used in either a left or right installation.