Curved Trampoline Frame with Handrail and Flexible Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trampolines pose an injury risk due to their rigid frames, particularly for users with less confidence or balance issues, such as young children and inexperienced adults, who may come into contact with the frame or fall from the elevated jumping surface.
Innovation Solution
A trampoline frame design featuring a flexible wall supported by curved upright supports and a bottom ring frame, with a handrail integrated into the frame for stabilization, and a wider base for enhanced safety and balance, utilizing connectors for easy assembly from modular pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame is used to support the trampoline, then structural strength is improved, but safety is worsened due to injury risk from contact with the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rigid frame with a flexible membrane structure that maintains structural integrity while eliminating hard edges that cause injury. The flexible wall and base frame create a soft, compliant support system that bends under load rather than maintaining rigid geometry, thereby preserving strength while removing the harmful rigid contact surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction combining flexible fabrics, netting, and structural elements to create a frame system that exhibits both strength and flexibility. The base frame uses a combination of rigid support elements and flexible covering materials to achieve a structure that is strong enough to support the trampoline bed while presenting a soft, safe surface to users.
2Area of stationary object
If the base frame is positioned close to the jumping surface, then the jumping area is maximized, but stability is worsened due to higher center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the base frame legs outward beyond the perimeter of the jumping surface, utilizing the horizontal dimension to create a wider support footprint. This dimensional extension lowers the center of gravity and increases the base of support, thereby improving stability without reducing the jumping area, as the legs extend outward rather than upward or inward.
3Ease of operation
If modular pieces with connectors are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the base frame into multiple modular leg assemblies and frame sections that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each module contains standardized connection points and interfaces, allowing users to assemble the complete frame system through simple connector operations without requiring complex tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal connectors and standardized interface designs that can accommodate different frame configurations and sizes. The same connector type and assembly method are used across all modules, providing a unified assembly system that simplifies the process while accommodating the complexity of the complete structure through consistent, repeatable connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A trampoline frame includes a bottom ring frame to couple to a jumping surface, a plurality of legs coupled to the bottom ring, a plurality of curved upright supports coupled to the bottom ring, and a handrail coupled to the upright supports. The curved upright supports attach to and support a flexible wall to form a barrier around at least a portion of the jumping surface. Each of the plurality of legs is curved to place a corresponding foot of the leg outside an external perimeter of the bottom ring frame when connected to the bottom ring frame. Each of the plurality of curved upright supports is curved inward toward a center of the jumping surface to connect to the handrail.