Dynamic Hammock Spreader Resilient Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hammocks with spreaders are unstable, while spreaderless hammocks are stable but can be confining, lacking the benefits of both types.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic spreader system that uses resilient elements, such as flexible rods, to adjust the spreading of a hammock canopy, providing stability and openness by automatically adjusting to the weight and position of occupants, avoiding the instability of rigid spreaders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rigid spreader is used in a hammock, then the hammock provides openness and inviting space, but the hammock becomes unstable and may roll, dumping the occupant on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic spreader system that can adjust its spreading force based on occupancy conditions. The spreader includes a spring mechanism that provides less spreading force when unoccupied (maintaining openness) and automatically increases spreading force when occupied (preventing rolling), thus resolving the contradiction between openness and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader's mechanical properties are changed dynamically through the spring mechanism. The spring constant and pre-load can be adjusted to change the spreading force parameter based on whether the hammock is occupied or not, allowing the system to optimize both openness and stability at different operational states.
2Stability of the object's composition
If no spreader is used in a hammock, then the hammock remains stable, but the material collects around the occupant creating a confining cocooning effect
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic spreader provides minimal spreading force when unoccupied, allowing the hammock material to naturally drape and creating an inviting open space for entry. When occupied, the spring mechanism activates to provide sufficient spreading force to prevent material from collecting around the occupant, thus maintaining stability while preserving ease of entry.
3Shape
If a rigid spreader is used, then the hammock maintains fixed spreading, but the hammock cannot automatically adjust to changes in weight, shape, or orientation of contents
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism in the dynamic spreader allows the system to automatically adapt to different occupancy conditions. When unoccupied, the spring maintains a certain spreading state; when occupied, the spring compresses or extends to provide appropriate spreading force, automatically adjusting to changes in weight, shape, or orientation of contents without manual intervention.
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 dynamic spreader system maintains an optimal suspension and tensioning of the hammock canopy, ensuring stability and openness, preventing unwanted sagging or excessive tension, and allowing easy entry and use.
Implementation Method 1
one or more springs urging separation of the first and second sides of the hammock base. For example, in one embodiment, a dynamic spreader system may comprise one or more spreaders resiliently deflected to urge the first side of a hammock base away from the second side of the hammock base
Data Source
AI summary
A method for spreading a hammock is disclosed. The method may include selecting a hammock comprising a hammock base having a first end, a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side in a lateral direction. The method may further include suspending the first end of the hammock base from a first anchor and suspending the second end of the hammock base from a second anchor. Once suspended, the hammock base may be spread in the lateral direction using exclusively a dynamic spreader system. The dynamic spreader system may automatically adjust the amount of the spreading in response to changes in the weight, shape, or orientation of contents within the hammock base.