Interlocking Swim Noodle Nodes and Alcoves for Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extruded closed cell swim noodles lack suitable methods for coupling in perpendicular or parallel side-by-side arrangements, limiting their usage in water play activities.
Innovation Solution
Interlocking swim noodle system with nodes and alcoves that form a resistance fit, allowing for various configurations by mating male and female components, and cross-brace components that interlink perpendicular to the noodles, enabling closed cell foam structures for water play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional extruded closed cell noodles are used, then they provide basic flotation and entertainment, but they cannot be coupled in perpendicular or parallel side-by-side arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The noodle is divided into modular segments with standardized coupling interfaces. Each segment contains nodes and alcoves that can connect to similar structures on adjacent segments, enabling various configurations including perpendicular and parallel arrangements while maintaining simple individual component design
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism uses nested node-alcove connections where one structure fits into another. The nodes protrude from one noodle segment and insert into corresponding alcoves on adjacent segments, creating a compact interlocking arrangement that enables multiple configurations without complex external coupling mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If cylindrical couplers like sleeves are provided for lengthwise coupling, then noodles can be coupled lengthwise, but there is no suitable method for coupling in perpendicular or parallel side-by-side arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism extends from one-dimensional lengthwise coupling to two-dimensional perpendicular and parallel coupling by adding nodes and alcoves that project from the surface of the noodles. This allows coupling in multiple directions (lengthwise, perpendicular, parallel) using the same basic node-alcove interface design
Solution Approach 2:
The node-alcove coupling interface is designed to be universal, serving multiple coupling purposes: lengthwise coupling, perpendicular coupling, and parallel side-by-side coupling. The same basic structural elements (nodes and alcoves) can be oriented differently to achieve various coupling configurations, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms for each direction
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
Enables a large number of configurations with limited components, providing increased enjoyment and versatility in water play by allowing noodles to be arranged in multiple positions, including side-by-side and angled configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the node and alcove are arranged to mate by resistance fit with a second interlocking swim noodle
Data Source
AI summary
An improved swim noodle system is described. The system has a first interlocking swim noodle including a first central core defining a first longitudinal axis coaxial with the first central core and a first periphery disposed about the first central core. The first elongated swim noodle further comprises alternating nodes and alcoves disposed about an entirety of the first periphery. The first nodes diverge outwardly from the first central core and extend longitudinally generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first alcoves converge outwardly from the first central core and extend longitudinally generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first nodes and the first alcoves are arranged to mate by resistance fit with the second elongated swim noodle.