Leaf Spring Trampoline Enclosure for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trampoline enclosures face challenges in providing both strong support and safety during jumps, with existing rigid mesh supports making assembly difficult and requiring tools, while flexible supports may not adequately catch users who fall onto the enclosure netting.
Innovation Solution
A spring connection system between trampoline enclosure poles using leaf springs that are flexible in both horizontal and vertical directions, with a higher vertical spring constant for added stiffness and a buckle mechanism for easy assembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid mesh net support is used, then the support strength is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid mesh net support is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently assembled. Each section contains standardized connection points that allow for tool-free assembly through simple interlocking mechanisms, reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow users to assemble and configure the mesh net without requiring precise alignment or tools. The dynamic assembly process enables flexible configuration while preserving the rigid support characteristics when assembled.
2Strength
If an inflexible support is used, then the strength for retaining a user is improved, but the safety when a user contacts the enclosure support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure employs different material properties in different regions: rigid components provide retaining strength in areas where user support is needed, while flexible or energy-absorbing materials are positioned at contact points to reduce impact injuries when users accidentally touch the enclosure support.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure support combines multiple materials with complementary properties - rigid structural elements for strength and flexibility or cushioning materials for safety - creating a composite structure that simultaneously achieves both retaining strength and impact safety.
3Stability of the object's composition
If long rods are used for the support frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Long rods are divided into shorter, manageable sections with standardized connection interfaces. These segmented components maintain the structural stability of the original long rods while being much easier to handle, transport, and assemble without requiring special tools or equipment.
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 effectively catches users who fall onto the enclosure netting, preventing ground contact and simplifying assembly by eliminating the need for tools and small components, while maintaining structural strength and ease of production.
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. A horizontal spring constant of the leaf spring, and a vertical spring constant of the leaf spring are different. The horizontal spring constant is less than the vertical spring constant so that the leaf spring is resiliently flexible in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A spring enclosure trampoline includes a trampoline bed connected across a horizontal frame member. The trampoline bed is supported by a plurality of springs. Trampoline legs support the horizontal frame member above a ground surface. A trampoline enclosure supports 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 the leaf spring horizontal dimension. A horizontal spring constant of the leaf spring, and a vertical spring constant of the leaf spring are different.