Modular Climbing Structure for Easy, Configurable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climbing structures for playgrounds are complex and expensive to build, require complicated assembly, and can be monotonous due to lack of variety.
Innovation Solution
A climbing structure with interchangeable, easily assembled climbing elements that can be mounted to vertical poles with varying spacings, featuring recesses and ridges for grip and a dynamic appearance, allowing for multiple assembly variations with a reduced number of product variants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If climbing structures use plates with handholds screwed to them, then climbing functionality is provided, but assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing structure is divided into separate modular components: vertical posts and climbing elements. Each climbing element is an independent unit that can be attached to posts without requiring complex assembly operations like screwing handholds to plates. This segmentation allows for simple, tool-free assembly while maintaining full climbing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The climbing elements are designed as universal components that can be used in multiple configurations and positions. Each element serves multiple functions: providing grip surfaces, defining climbing paths, and enabling various assembly variations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components and simplifies assembly procedures.
2Ease of operation
If large pre-moulded plates are used for climbing structures, then climbing surfaces are provided, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing large, expensive pre-moulded plates, the climbing structure uses multiple small, simple climbing elements. Each element is a basic geometric form that is inexpensive to manufacture. These simple components are assembled into complex climbing configurations, achieving the same functional result at lower manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The climbing elements are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced or reconfigured. Rather than investing in expensive, complex pre-moulded plates, the system uses affordable, simple elements that provide the necessary climbing functionality without requiring high manufacturing investment.
3Ease of manufacture
If climbing structures use simple ladder constructions, then manufacturing is simple, but variety and engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing structure employs dynamic, configurable arrangements of climbing elements rather than fixed, static configurations. The same simple climbing elements can be assembled in numerous different patterns and orientations, allowing the structure to adapt to various design requirements and provide diverse climbing experiences while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The climbing elements are designed to be arranged in three-dimensional space around vertical posts, creating complex spatial configurations from simple components. By utilizing vertical, horizontal, and radial dimensions, the system generates extensive assembly variation from basic elements, transforming simple manufacturing inputs into diverse, engaging climbing structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A climbing structure arranged on a supporting surface, said climbing structure comprising: a first vertical post arranged on the supporting surface, a second vertical post arranged on the supporting surface and arranged offset from the first vertical post in a horizontal direction, a first climbing element connected to the first and the second vertical post to span the distance between the first and second vertical posts and a second climbing element connected to the first and the second vertical posts to span the distance between the first and second vertical posts, said second climbing element being arranged above the first climbing element. The first and second climbing elements having a length (between the posts), a height (parallel to the posts) and a thickness (perpendicular to the plane of the area between the posts), said length being at least 1,5 times greater than the height. Furthermore, the upper and/or lower edge of the first and/or second climbing element comprises a recess. In this way, a climbing structure is provided which is easy to assemble and which provides a highly configurable construction to provide different appearances just by adjusting the spacing between the first and second climbing elements.