Modular Athletic Structures With Self-Validating Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional athletic structures are difficult to reconfigure, unstable, and lack continuous safety monitoring capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A modular construction system using cube components with receptors and hub components that include electrical connections and logic for real-time stability analysis, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration and automatic structural integrity assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional athletic structures are designed for stability, then they are difficult to reconfigure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidreconfigurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into modular components (nodes and connectors) that can be independently assembled and reconfigured. Each node contains multiple receptacles that can accept different connector types, enabling the structure to be segmented into standardized units that maintain stability through consistent connection mechanisms while allowing flexible reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic system where components can be easily added, removed, or repositioned. The standardized connection interface with simple insertion and locking mechanisms allows the structure to adapt its configuration over time while maintaining structural integrity through engineered connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional athletic structures are designed for ease of assembly, then they lack continuous safety monitoring capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidsafety monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors are integrated into the connection interfaces between nodes and connectors to provide real-time feedback on connection status, load distribution, and structural integrity. This feedback system continuously monitors the structure's safety without complicating the basic assembly process, as the sensors are activated automatically when components are connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The safety monitoring function is merged with the structural connection elements themselves. Sensors are embedded within the nodes and connectors, combining the mechanical connection function with the sensing function in a single integrated component, thereby enabling safety monitoring without adding separate monitoring systems that would complicate assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If modular components include integrated sensors and logic, then the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic structural integrity assessmentVSAvoidcomponent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure performs self-monitoring and self-assessment of its structural integrity through integrated sensors and logic. Each node and connector automatically detects its own connection status and communicates this information to the central controller, eliminating the need for manual inspection and reducing the complexity of external monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The nodes and connectors are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as structural support elements and as sensing units. The same components that provide mechanical connection also contain sensors for monitoring load, position, and connection integrity, thereby reducing the need for separate monitoring hardware and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the creation of customizable, stable, and safe athletic structures that can be dynamically reconfigured and continuously monitored for structural integrity, enhancing both performance and safety.

Implementation Method 1

Each post has an expansive element configured to expand under electrical excitation to create mechanical engagement with the corresponding receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical excitation causing expansion: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS9540809B1Modular components for reconfigurable and self-validating athletic structures

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 MIRHO MAXWELL C

AI summary

A modular construction system includes a first component having multiple faces arranged into a three dimensional structure, each face having receptacles. The system includes a second component having posts formed to fit within the receptacles. Electrical contacts on each post propagate electrical signals to analytical logic that determines if each post has made electrical contact with a corresponding receptacle. Each post also includes an expansive element to create mechanical engagement with the corresponding receptacle. The analytical logic generates a signal external to the second component indicative of the mechanical engagement.