Hoop Spring Assembly for Trampoline Mat Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trampoline park systems face issues with non-optimal bounce characteristics at mat joints, mechanical failure of hoop springs, and frequent replacement of wear parts due to expansion and contraction of coil springs, limiting the continuity and safety of trampolines.
Innovation Solution
A hoop spring assembly with hingedly connected hoop portions and a resilient member, adjustable tension, and a mat connection system that uses coil springs or elastic members to support joint portions between trampolines, allowing for continuous jumping and improved bounce characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If safety padding is used to cover the spring space between adjacent trampolines, then protection of jumpers is improved, but movement of persons from one trampoline mat to the adjacent trampoline mat is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the safety padding from between adjacent trampolines, extracting the harmful element that blocked movement. Instead of covering the spring space with padding, the design allows direct access between trampolines while maintaining safety through the continuous mat surface and controlled spring placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure where the mat itself extends continuously across the spring space, acting as a mediator that allows safe passage between trampolines. The mat serves as both the jumping surface and the safety barrier, eliminating the need for separate padding that would block movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coil springs are used for joining adjacent mats with padding supporting the spring, then connection between mats is achieved, but expansion and contraction of the spring tends to saw through the padding requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the padding that was supporting the springs, extracting the element that was being damaged by spring movement. By eliminating the padding from the spring support function, the problem of padding degradation from sawing action is completely resolved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the frequently replaced padding with a more durable mat structure that is designed to last. The continuous mat made of durable material serves as a long-lasting connection element between trampolines, eliminating the need for frequent replacement of wear parts.
3Productivity
If trampolines are arranged side by side with adjacent frames abutting, then space utilization is improved, but the spaces between frames create a wide gap requiring extensive padding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mat surfaces of adjacent trampolines into a continuous jumping surface that extends across the frame gap. By combining the functional surfaces of separate trampolines, the design eliminates the need for extensive padding to cover the gap, as the mat itself bridges the space.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous mat acts as an intermediary element that spans the gap between adjacent trampoline frames. This mediator structure allows the trampolines to be closely spaced for efficient space utilization while eliminating the need for wide padding, as the mat provides both the jumping surface and the bridge across the gap.
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 solution provides superior bounce characteristics across the entire trampoline surface, reduces mechanical failure, and extends the lifespan of wear parts by allowing for adjustable tension and improved support at joint regions.
Implementation Method 1
a first hoop portion and a second hoop portion hingedly and operably connected by a pair of laterally positioned hinge members which each define a pivot point therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member operably connected to each of the pair of hinge members and extending therebetween
Implementation Method 3
The joining strip is typically formed from elastane or similar stretchable textile material
Implementation Method 4
Adjacent jumping mats are joined indirectly edge-to-edge to each other with an extensible joining strip fastened along each longitudinal edge to the edge of the jumping mat
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a hoop spring assembly for use in a mat connection system of a trampoline, in which the hoop spring assembly includes a pair of hoop portions hingedly connected by a pair of laterally positioned hinge members and a resilient member, such as an elastic band or coil spring, operably connected to each of the hinge members and extending therebetween. Mat connection systems and trampolines including such a hoop spring assembly are also provided.