Climbing Wall Framework With Adjustable Panel Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex climbing walls require a time-consuming and expensive installation process due to intricate truss assemblies, limiting the variety and placement of climbing planes and handholds, and are rarely altered once constructed.
Innovation Solution
A climbing wall framework with adjustable connectors, braces, and variable-angle front posts, allowing for versatile mounting of surface panels and holds, enabling easy reconfiguration and creation of diverse climbing geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional truss assemblies with straight components are used, then structural stability is provided, but the variety and placement of climbing planes are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing wall is divided into modular surface panels that can be independently configured and attached to the framework. Each panel can be positioned at different angles and locations, allowing multiple climbing planes without requiring a completely custom truss assembly for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework incorporates adjustable connectors and variable-angle front posts that allow the geometry of climbing planes to be changed after construction. This dynamic adjustability enables the same structural framework to support various climbing plane configurations without requiring complex custom-built trusses for each design.
2Reliability
If complex truss assemblies are constructed on-site with multiple components, then structural stability is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The framework components, including front posts with integrated connectors and bracing elements, are pre-configured and prepared before on-site assembly. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity and time required for on-site construction while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into single components: front posts integrate both structural support and panel mounting capabilities, while connectors combine securing and positioning functions. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled on-site, decreasing installation time and complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If surface panels are cut to very specific dimensions, then tight fitting at intersections is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Surface panels are designed with standardized dimensions and features that allow them to be used in multiple positions and configurations. The universal panel design eliminates the need for custom-cut panels for each specific location, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining tight fits through the standardized connector system.
4Strength
If traditional metal substructures are used beneath surface panels, then structural support is provided, but the placement of handholds is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer layer is introduced between the metal substructure and the climbing surface. This intermediary buffer (made of softer material like wood) allows handholds to be positioned directly over the metal support without being constrained by its location, providing both structural strength and placement flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to climbing wall assemblies having a variety of improvements. For instance, the climbing wall assemblies may include connectors to attach the surface panels to the framework, in which the connectors may be mounted substantially anywhere along the front of the framework and at substantially any angle, providing for the securement of climbing panels in various geometries. The climbing wall assemblies may also include braces that may easily be adjusted to a desired length and configuration during construction of a climbing wall. The climbing wall assemblies may also include variable-angle, integral front posts, which provide for the easy and stable securement of climbing panels in various geometries. These improvements provide climbing wall assemblies that may be easily assembled to produce a desirable climbing wall structure having few framework components.