Walkable Pool Covering With Foldable Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool coverings are not walkable or have limited static load capacity due to their design, which affects their usability and aesthetics, and they either obstruct the area when not in use or occupy valuable space when exposed.
Innovation Solution
A walkable pool covering with a support structure featuring foldable beams connected by hinges, allowing rotation between horizontal and vertical positions, which increases load capacity and enables the covering to move outside the pool area without obstructing movement, using a combination of folding mechanisms and materials for efficient production and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If higher beams are used to increase static load capacity, then the load capacity increases, but the total height of the covering increases which is aesthetically displeasing and prevents comfortable access
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes the vertical dimension beneath the pool surface to accommodate beam height, allowing beams to extend downward into the pool rather than upward above the covering. This reverses the traditional orientation, enabling high load-capacity beams to be hidden below the visible surface while maintaining structural strength, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and aesthetic height.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing support beams above the covering surface where they would increase visible height, the invention inverts the arrangement by positioning the main structural depth below the covering, with beams extending downward into the pool. This inversion allows the covering to maintain low visible profile while achieving high load capacity through the submerged beam structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed roofing is used to provide coverage, then the covering is stable, but the area underneath cannot be used and the extended roof occupies valuable space
Solution Approach 1:
The covering transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure that can slide along rails. The support structures are designed to move between covering the pool and being positioned to the side, allowing the area to be used differently depending on whether the pool is in use or not, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering system serves multiple functions: it provides stable coverage when the pool is not in use, allows comfortable access when sliding open, and enables the area to be used for various activities (walking, sports, furniture placement) when the pool is in use. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different usage scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding roofing is used to enable area usage, then the area can be used when the pool is exposed, but the extended roof still occupies part of the usable area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the support structure volume from the usable area above the pool by extending beams downward into the pool rather than upward into the air space. This removes the obstruction from the overhead space, allowing furniture and activities to be positioned directly underneath the covering without interference from beam structures, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and usable area.
4Ease of manufacture
If films or slats are used for pool covering, then the covering can be simple and inexpensive, but they are not walkable and are dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The covering combines a simple planar cover structure with integrated foldable beam support structures made of rigid materials. This composite construction maintains the manufacturing simplicity of basic covering materials while adding the structural strength and safety of engineered beam supports, creating a walkable surface that resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
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 solution provides a stable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing walkable surface with increased static load capacity, allowing for efficient use of space and easy transport and storage, while maintaining a lower profile compared to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one foldable beam is connected to the support structure by means of joints in the shape of individual hinges and/or at least one continuous hinge to enable rotation between the horizontal and vertical directions of their installation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Covering, particularly pool covering, consisting of at least one planar support structure provided with a cover on its top part and a slide on its underside, wherein the support structure is provided with at least one folding beam (1) on its underside, which is connected to the support structure by means of joints (2) in the shape of individual hinges and/or at least one continuous hinge to enable their rotational movement between the horizontal and vertical directions. The beams (1) may be provided with a lifting mechanism which folds them horizontally before moving the covering to the open position of the pool (4). In a preferred embodiment, the top part (3) of the covering is at the level of the surrounding area (5).