Foldable Combat Cage Panels Rotary Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combat sports cages are heavy, complex to assemble/disassemble, and occupy large spaces, limiting their acquisition and use in sports halls due to their permanent installation and structural constraints.
Innovation Solution
A retractable/foldable sports equipment system comprising panels with rotary assembly means, allowing for efficient deployment and storage, featuring hinges and rolling mechanisms for easy maneuvering between deployed and folded configurations, optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If panels are made heavy and permanently installed to ensure structural integrity, then cage stability is improved, but ease of operation and space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized connection interfaces, allowing the cage to be constructed from separate components rather than requiring permanent installation of a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The panels incorporate movable connection mechanisms that allow the cage to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured, enabling it to adapt between different operational states without compromising structural integrity during use.
2Reliability
If panels are made heavy to ensure structural integrity, then cage stability is improved, but handling and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cage into multiple lighter panels rather than using fewer heavy panels, the overall weight distribution is optimized. Each panel is lightweight enough for easy handling while the assembled structure provides the necessary stability through its modular configuration and connection system.
3Reliability
If a permanent cage installation is used to ensure structural integrity, then cage stability is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cage system transitions from a permanent fixed installation occupying continuous space to a dynamic reconfigurable structure that can be folded into a compact configuration. When not in use, the panels can be collapsed or stored in a minimized footprint, allowing the gymnasium floor space to be utilized for other purposes.
4Reliability
If complex assembly means are used to ensure structural integrity, then cage stability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into standardized, repeatable components with simple interfaces. Each panel uses the same connection mechanism, reducing the need for complex custom-fitted assembly means. The modular design allows for consistent, straightforward assembly procedures across all panel connections.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to sports equipment for forming a cage suitable for combat sports, for example, mixed martial arts (MMA). The sports equipment comprises a set of panels (3) intended to be placed side by side and erected to form a perimeter enclosure for said cage. The panels (3) have bases (9) adapted for placing said panels (3) on the ground in an upright and removable manner. Between at least two side-by-side panels (3), the assembly means (8) consist of rotating assembly means (8a) that allow rotation of said two side-by-side panels (3) around an axis of rotation (8') oriented parallel to the adjacent uprights (41).The said set of panels (3) is maneuverable between two configurations: - a deployed configuration, advantageously self-supporting, adapted to form the said peripheral enclosure of the cage (2), and - a folded configuration, advantageously self-supporting, adapted to its storage.