Adjustable Elasticity Gymnastics Springboard via Movable Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gymnastics springboards have fixed elasticity, which cannot be adjusted, limiting the gymnast's ability to customize the feel and response based on different jumps and locations.
Innovation Solution
A gymnastics springboard with a movable elastic device that includes a driving wheel, driven wheel, and flexible link, allowing for rotational movement to adjust the elasticity by sliding the upper and lower plates, enabling easy modification of the springboard's elasticity through a single movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the elastic members are fixed in the springboard, then the structure is simple and stable, but the elasticity cannot be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the elastic members movable rather than fixed. The elastic members can slide along the longitudinal axis of the springboard between the upper and lower parts, allowing the elasticity characteristics to be adjusted dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling elasticity modification without requiring a completely fixed rigid structure, as the movable design maintains structural integrity while providing adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the springboard into distinct components: upper part, lower part, and elastic members that can move independently between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling the elastic members to be repositioned along the longitudinal axis to adjust elasticity characteristics without affecting the overall structural stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the elastic members are movable to adjust elasticity, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the gymnast to directly adjust the position of the elastic members themselves. The elastic members are designed with features that allow them to be easily grasped and repositioned by the user without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction by making the adjustment process simple and intuitive, allowing gymnasts to customize elasticity characteristics independently.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex mechanism is used to move the elastic device, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex mechanical transmission mechanisms with a direct manual adjustment system. Instead of using gears, belts, or other intermediary mechanical components to move the elastic members, the design allows gymnasts to directly reposition the elastic members along the longitudinal axis. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining precise control over elasticity characteristics through direct user manipulation.
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 gymnast to adjust the springboard's elasticity according to desired feelings and jump locations, providing a customizable dynamic response, enhancing performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member interposed between the upper plate and the lower plate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A gymnastics springboard comprising an upper part, a lower part (3), and a movable elastic device (4) including an upper plate (40) configured to slide on an inner face of the upper part, a lower plate (41) configured to slide on an inner face (33) of the lower part (3), and an elastic element (42) interposed between the upper plate (40) and the lower plate (41). The springboard (1) includes a drive system (5) fixed to the lower plate (41) or to the upper plate (40), said drive system (5) including a driving wheel (50), a driven wheel (51), and a flexible link (52) configured to transmit a rotational motion from the driving wheel (50) to the driven wheel (51), the upper plate (40) or the lower plate (41) being integral with the flexible link (52).