Diving Board Composite Tread Pocket Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diving boards have non-slip tread surfaces that lack sufficient flexibility and durability, which can lead to reduced traction and increased risk of injury over extended use.
Innovation Solution
A diving board with a non-slip tread surface made of a cork composite material, integrated into recessed pockets within the board's shell, providing improved grip, moisture resistance, and flexibility while minimizing tripping hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sand tread material is used on the diving board surface, then grip and traction are provided, but the tread lacks flexibility and durability leading to reduced performance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining cork granules with a polymer binder to create a tread surface that integrates the flexibility of the polymer matrix with the durability and grip characteristics of the cork particles. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by providing both immediate traction and long-term durability, eliminating the need for separate sand tread replacements.
2Reliability
If a non-slip tread is added to the diving board, then traction is improved, but the complexity of the board structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tread material directly with the diving board shell by embedding the cork-polymer composite into recesses in the shell surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate attachment processes and reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliable traction, as the tread becomes an inherent part of the board structure rather than an add-on component.
3Ease of operation
If a tread surface is integrated into recessed pockets, then tripping hazards are minimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating recessed pockets only in specific locations where the tread material will be embedded, rather than requiring precision throughout the entire board structure. The recesses are strategically positioned to accommodate the tread material while maintaining safe profile heights, and the polymer binder is applied locally to fill these specific recesses, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while ensuring safety during use.
Data Source
AI summary
A diving board having a shell including a top surface with one or more pockets formed thereon. The pockets are recessed inwardly from the top surface of the shell and sized to receive a non-slip tread surface therein. The tread surface may be made from any of a variety of suitable materials, such as a composite material primarily comprising cork, and arranged such that the tread surface is substantially flush relative to the top surface of the shell when seated therein. An adhesive layer may be used to adhere the tread surface in the pocket of the shell.