Descent Apparatus Using Liquid Buoyancy Float for Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing play and exercise equipment fails to effectively reduce friction during descent, making it uncomfortable for users, especially in applications where weight-based resistance is not proportional to user strength, and often requires large or expensive setups.
Innovation Solution
A descent apparatus with a housing and liquid conduit containing a buoyancy float, where the float's position is varied by a movable element, using dynamic pressure to control the speed of descent and provide a speed-dependent resistance force, allowing for a safe and robust descent without submersion or large reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If buoyancy-based descent mechanisms are used, then friction during descent is reduced, but the device requires large water reservoirs and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential buoyancy function from the large water reservoir system. Instead of using a full water-based buoyancy system, it employs a small float element that provides sufficient buoyant force for the descent mechanism, eliminating the need for large reservoirs while maintaining the friction-reducing benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles through a small float-liquid system within a closed conduit. The float interacts with liquid in a controlled environment, generating buoyant force without requiring large external water reservoirs, thus reducing device size while maintaining the desired descent characteristics.
2Force
If weight-based resistance is used, then descent control is achieved, but resistance is not proportional to user strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic resistance system where the float's position and the liquid pressure vary based on the user's weight and descent speed. This creates a self-adjusting resistance force that adapts to different user strengths, unlike fixed weight-based resistance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter from fixed weight to dynamic liquid pressure. The liquid pressure in the conduit varies with the float's position and descent velocity, creating a resistance force that is proportional to user strength and adapts automatically to different users.
3Ease of operation
If friction reduction mechanisms are added to slides and poles, then comfort during descent is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the friction reduction function with the descent control mechanism. The float-liquid system simultaneously provides buoyancy for friction reduction and hydraulic resistance for descent control, eliminating the need for separate friction reduction components and reducing overall device complexity.
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 apparatus provides a comfortable and safe descent experience for users of varying strengths, reducing friction and size requirements, while offering adjustable resistance based on speed, suitable for playgrounds and exercise applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one buoyancy float constrained within said liquid conduit and capable of slideable movement along a first path between an upper and lower position
Implementation Method 2
using dynamic pressure to control the speed of descent and provide a speed-dependent resistance force
Data Source
AI summary
A descent apparatus (1) including a housing (3) with a liquid conduit (4) therethrough and a float (8) constrained within the liquid conduit (4) and capable of slideable movement along a first path between an upper and a lower position. A moveable element (6) is located outside the liquid conduit (4) and is slideably coupled to the housing (3). A mechanical connector (9) physically connects the movable element (6) to the float (8) such that in use, the liquid conduit (4) contains liquid and the position of the float (8) is variable by applying a force to the movable element (6) and wherein the slideable movement of the float (8) along a first path produces a corresponding movement of the moveable element (6) outside the housing (3) along a second path co-axial, or parallel with the first path.