Braided Bridge Using Rubber Belting Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional braided bridges made from coconut rope are susceptible to rot, degradation, mildew, and vandalism, and are abrasive, making them unsafe and requiring frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A braided bridge design using rubber belting material with perforations, which is durable, low maintenance, and provides slip-resistant properties, secured by mounting cables to play structures, allowing for flexible assembly and attachment methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional coconut rope is used for braided bridges, then the bridge can be easily manufactured and assembled, but it is susceptible to rot, degradation, mildew, and vandalism, requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rubber belting material instead of traditional natural fiber rope. Rubber is a synthetic composite material that provides superior resistance to rot, degradation, and mildew while maintaining the flexibility and braiding characteristics needed for bridge construction. This material substitution directly resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and resistance to environmental degradation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional coconut rope is used for braided bridges, then the bridge can be easily assembled, but it is abrasive and unsafe for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from natural fiber to rubber belting material. This parameter change fundamentally alters the surface characteristics, eliminating the abrasive properties of traditional rope while maintaining the flexibility and ease of assembly. The rubber material provides a smoother, safer surface for user contact while preserving the operational simplicity of traditional braided bridge assembly.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If rubber belting material is used, then the bridge becomes durable and resistant to wear, but requires specific manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bridge into modular spoke components that can be independently manufactured from rubber belting material with perforations. This segmentation allows for standardized production of durable components that can be easily assembled, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high durability. The modular approach enables pre-fabrication of durable elements without requiring complex on-site construction processes.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If rubber belting material with perforations is used, then the bridge provides slip-resistant properties, but requires additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies perforations locally to the rubber belting material at specific contact points where user interaction occurs. This local quality enhancement provides slip-resistant properties exactly where needed without requiring complex manufacturing throughout the entire structure. The perforations are strategically placed to maximize grip while minimizing the complexity of the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A braided bridge includes a mounting cable. The braided bridge further includes a first component configured to couple to the mounting cable, where the first spoke component includes one or more spokes and a second spoke component configured to couple to the mounting cable. The one or more spokes of the first spoke component are configured to fold and couple the second spoke component to the first spoke component.