Flat Connector Net Assembly for Comfortable Rope Joining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing net assemblies for playground equipment, such as basket swings and hammocks, are uncomfortable to lie on due to protrusions from knots, splices, or clamps, and are time-consuming to assemble, while also requiring strong ropes to meet safety specifications.
Innovation Solution
A net assembly using elongated flexible members connected by injection-moulded plastic connectors with specific designs that reduce the thickness and increase the surface area of the connectors, allowing for a more comfortable and easier assembly, while maintaining the necessary strength and safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong ropes are joined together using knots, splices, or clamps to meet safety specifications, then the strength and reliability of the net assembly is improved, but the connectors form large protrusions that make it uncomfortable to lie on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connectors by reducing their thickness and increasing their surface area, transforming them from protruding, uncomfortable elements to flat, comfortable surfaces suitable for lying on while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction with a plastic outer layer over a steel core in the connectors, combining the flexibility and comfort of plastic with the strength of steel to achieve both comfort and structural integrity
2Reliability
If traditional joining methods like knots, splices, or clamps are used to connect ropes, then the net assembly meets safety standards, but the assembly process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector into separable components (outer plastic layer and inner steel core) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled, enabling modular production and faster assembly while maintaining safety standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simplified intermediary connector design that replaces complex traditional joining methods, serving as a pre-fabricated connection element that reduces assembly time while ensuring safety compliance through standardized design
3Strength
If thick ropes are used to provide necessary strength for the net assembly, then the safety and durability are improved, but the openings between adjacent ropes become smaller and the overall structure becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials with a plastic coating over a steel core in the ropes, maximizing strength while minimizing the actual rope diameter, thereby maintaining small spacing between ropes without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dimensional parameters of the ropes and connectors, reducing their effective thickness through refined design while maintaining required strength properties, allowing for smaller spacing between elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A net assembly comprising a) a first elongated member, b) a second elongated flexible member, c) a third elongated flexible member, d) a first connector, and e) a second connector, f) said first connector connecting the first elongated member and second elongated flexible member, g) said second connector connecting the second and third elongated flexible members, h) said first connector having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to the first elongated member and said second end being connected to the second elongated flexible member, i) said second connector having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to the second elongated flexible member and the second end being connected to the third elongated flexible member, and j) said first and/or said second end of said first and second connectors comprising a longitudinal displacement preventing element which prevents the first and/or the second end of the connector from displacing along the longitudinal axis of the elongated flexible element to which it is connected.