Foldable Trampoline Handle and Hinge Design for Safer Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable trampolines are difficult to set up, potentially dangerous, and prone to damage due to detachable balance handles and require cumbersome leg attachment methods, making them unsafe and inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A trampoline design with a balance handle secured by a bracket and engaging member, a hinge positioned near the attachment axis to minimize folding force, and self-actuating fasteners for leg and connector attachment, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a balance handle is attached via a sleeve welded to one of the trampoline legs, then the balance handle can be secured to the trampoline, but applying a large force to the balance handle can cause the leg to be bent or torn off the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The balance handle attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a bracket welded to the frame, a sleeve that receives the balance handle, and a separate retaining mechanism. This segmentation allows the bracket to bear the welding load while the sleeve and retainer handle the balance handle forces, preventing force transmission to the leg.
Solution Approach 2:
A bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the frame and the balance handle attachment system. The bracket is welded to the frame to provide a strong anchor point, while the sleeve and retainer mechanism attach to the bracket rather than directly to the leg, isolating the leg from damaging forces.
2Strength
If a balance handle is attached via a bracket welded to the trampoline frame, then the balance handle can be secured to the frame, but applying a large force to the balance handle can cause damage to the bracket or frame
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a bracket welded to the frame, a sleeve receiving the balance handle, and a separate retainer mechanism. This distributes the load path so that the bracket handles welding stresses while the sleeve and retainer handle operational forces, preventing force transmission to the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves as an intermediary that is welded to the frame to provide a strong mounting point, while the sleeve and retainer mechanism provide the actual balance handle attachment. This intermediary structure protects the frame from direct exposure to balance handle forces.
3Strength
If ground engaging legs are attached to the frame using hex bolts, then the legs can be securely attached, but the legs take up space when stored and require tools for attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The leg attachment system is segmented into a leg engaging member with a slot, a retaining member, and a self-actuating fastener mechanism. This allows the leg to be attached and detached without tools by simply manipulating the fastener, while the slot and retaining member ensure secure attachment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed to be self-actuating, allowing users to attach and detach legs without requiring tools or specialized knowledge. The self-actuating mechanism automatically secures the leg when engaged and releases it when activated, making the process simple and tool-free.
4Ease of operation
If ground engaging legs are attached via springs that allow folding, then the legs can be folded against the frame for storage, but the springs can break rendering the trampoline unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The leg attachment system is segmented into a leg engaging member with a slot, a retaining member, and a self-actuating fastener. This replaces the spring mechanism with a more reliable fastener system that provides secure attachment while still allowing for folding capability through the slot design.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-actuating fastener is designed as a simple, robust mechanism that is less prone to failure compared to springs. While springs can break and render the trampoline unusable, the fastener design provides a more reliable, fail-safe attachment that maintains trampoline functionality.
5Ease of operation
If the frame is designed to snap open or shut during folding, then folding is easier after initial force, but users risk getting fingers trapped and must apply large initial force
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed with a pivot point positioned on or adjacent to the attachment axis, which pre-configures the folding mechanism to minimize resistive forces throughout the entire folding motion. This preliminary design consideration prevents the snap-open/snap-shut behavior that causes finger trapping hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge pivot point position is carefully selected to change the mechanical parameters of the folding system. By positioning the pivot point on or adjacent to the attachment axis, the system achieves optimal force distribution that eliminates the need for large initial forces and prevents sudden snapping movements.
6Stability of the object's composition
If the hinge pivot point is positioned away from the attachment axis, then the hinge provides stable rotation, but large forces are required to fold and the mat stretches excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pivot point position is optimized by changing the geometric parameter of its location relative to the attachment axis. By positioning the pivot point on or adjacent to the attachment axis, the system achieves the optimal balance between rotation stability and force requirements, eliminating excessive mat stretching and reducing folding forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge design with the pivot point on the attachment axis serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides stable rotation, minimizes folding forces, and prevents excessive mat stretching. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to trade off between these competing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a trampoline (100) comprising a frame and a balance handle. The frame comprises a bracket (114) arranged to receive the balance handle to secure the balance handle to the frame at a first position along the balance handle. The frame further comprises a balance handle engaging member (704) shaped to engage with a correspondingly shaped part of the balance handle to secure the balance handle to the frame at a second position along the balance handle.