Floor Inspection Device with Tapered Base for Shock-Absorbing Playgrounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for inspecting the foundations of playground equipment are inefficient, requiring the partial removal and restoration of shock-absorbing floors, which is aesthetically unsatisfactory, generates waste, and often results in altered shock-absorbing properties that are difficult to maintain and test.

Innovation Solution

A device with a shock-absorbing base and recess design that allows easy insertion and removal for foundation checks, maintaining the shock-absorbing properties and aesthetics, featuring a base body with varying circumference for easy insertion and removal, and a recess that can accommodate posts of varying angles, with optional fastening and rotational symmetry for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the shock-absorbing floor is partially removed for foundation inspection, then the foundation can be accessed and inspected, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and shock-absorbing properties are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation accessibilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection device is divided into separate components: a base body that interfaces with the foundation and a cover portion that restores the floor appearance. This segmentation allows the foundation to be inspected through the base body while the cover maintains the aesthetic appearance of the original floor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection device acts as an intermediary element between the foundation and the floor surface. It provides a pathway for foundation inspection while simultaneously serving as a restoration layer that recreates the original floor appearance, thus mediating between accessibility and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the shock-absorbing floor is removed and restored, then foundation inspection is possible, but shock-absorbing properties change and require re-testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation accessibilityVSAvoidshock-absorbing properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is pre-configured with the correct shock-absorbing properties and dimensions to match the original floor requirements. By installing this pre-prepared component during the inspection process, the shock-absorbing properties are restored without requiring additional testing or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The base body is designed with specific physical parameters (density, thickness, material composition) that match the shock-absorbing requirements of the original floor. These parameters are carefully controlled during manufacturing to ensure the restored floor meets the same safety standards as the original installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the floor is broken up and restored annually, then foundation inspection can be performed, but waste is generated and work time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation accessibilityVSAvoidinspection and restoration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection device is designed to be dynamically installable and removable without permanent alteration to the surrounding floor. The base body can be quickly inserted into a prepared opening, the foundation inspected, and then the device removed and reused for the next inspection, eliminating the need for annual floor demolition and reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection device is designed for recovery and reuse. After the foundation inspection is complete, the base body and cover are removed from the floor opening and can be stored for use in subsequent inspection cycles, eliminating the need to discard materials and reducing waste generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Ease of operation

If a tool-free removal system is used for foundation inspection, then inspection accessibility is improved, but secure positioning during use may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval easeVSAvoidpositioning stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base body features an asymmetric geometry with a larger circumference on the upper side than on the lower side. This asymmetric design provides stable positioning when the device is installed in the ground, as the wider upper portion naturally resists lateral movement while still allowing easy vertical removal by hand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The recess is designed with a smaller circumference at the top than at the bottom, creating a tapered fit that provides natural mechanical retention. This geometry creates a self-centering effect that stabilizes the device during inspection while requiring no tools for installation or removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentEP3656927B1Device for use in a floor

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 FREITAG JENS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (100; 500) for use in a floor, comprising a shock-absorbing base body (102) and a recess (103), wherein the base body (102) surrounds the recess (103), wherein the base body (102) has a larger circumference on a top side than on a bottom side.