Leaf Spring Trampoline Enclosure Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trampoline enclosure assembly is challenging due to the use of rigid mesh net supports, which require tools and small components, making it difficult to assemble and potentially unsafe for users, especially children, as they may contact the enclosure during jumps.
Innovation Solution
A spring connection system using leaf springs with different horizontal and vertical spring constants, mounted to trampoline poles, provides flexible support and dynamic catching capabilities while maintaining structural integrity, featuring a segmented design with snap-fit connections and tool-free assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid mesh net supports are used, then structural strength is improved, but assembly difficulty increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid mesh net support is divided into multiple modular sections that can be easily connected together. Each section is a self-contained unit with standardized connection interfaces, allowing users to assemble the enclosure by simply connecting sections together without requiring tools or small components like screws and nuts.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates flexible elements and movable joints that allow the rigid mesh sections to adapt to slight movements and forces during use. This dynamic capability maintains structural strength while accommodating natural movements during jumping, improving safety without compromising assembly ease.
2Strength
If rigid mesh net supports are used, then structural strength is improved, but safety decreases due to user contact during jumps
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the support structure have different properties: the main support elements maintain rigidity for structural strength, while the portions that may contact users are made flexible or have cushioning characteristics. This local differentiation allows the structure to be strong where needed and safe where user contact is possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes materials or design features that change their mechanical parameters in response to applied forces. Under normal conditions, the structure maintains rigidity for strength, but when subjected to impact forces from user contact, it can flex or deform to reduce harmful effects, providing both strength and safety.
3Strength
If long rods are used for enclosure supports, then structural strength is improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Long rod supports are divided into multiple shorter, manageable sections that can be easily handled and assembled. The segmented design maintains the overall structural strength through proper connection mechanisms while making the assembly process much easier and safer for users.
4Ease of operation
If tool-free snap-fit connections are used, then assembly ease is improved, but structural strength may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fit connection mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow the connection to be easily made and removed while maintaining strong holding power during use. The connections can flex and adapt to forces applied during jumping, providing both ease of assembly and structural strength.
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 spring connection system enhances user safety by providing flexible support during jumps and dynamic catching, simplifies assembly with tool-free snap-fit connections, and increases structural strength without the need for small components, reducing assembly time and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The leaf spring is flexible in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction. A leaf spring vertical dimension is greater than the leaf spring horizontal dimension. The horizontal spring constant of the leaf spring, and a vertical spring constant of the leaf spring are different.
Implementation Method 2
An object of the present invention is to provide a spring connection between trampoline enclosure poles to improve dynamic catching of users that fall onto trampoline enclosure netting
Data Source
AI summary
A spring enclosure trampoline has a trampoline bed connected across a horizontal frame member. Trampoline legs supporting the horizontal frame member above a ground surface. A trampoline enclosure supporting a trampoline enclosure net from a spring enclosure netting support. The trampoline enclosure surrounds the trampoline bed and the trampoline enclosure is supported on a trampoline pole. The spring enclosure netting support is formed as a leaf spring. The leaf spring is flexible in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction. A leaf spring vertical dimension is greater than a leaf spring horizontal dimension. The leaf spring is formed as an elongated strip. The leaf spring connectors are connected to the trampoline poles. The leaf spring connectors are mounted to the leaf spring.