Modular Inflatable Obstacle Course with Interconnected Air Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable obstacle courses lack modularity and efficient interconnectivity, making it difficult to rearrange and expand the course configurations, and often require separate inflation for each module.
Innovation Solution
A modular inflatable obstacle course design featuring a frame unit with constant air inflatable portions that interconnect via air tubes, allowing for sequential arrangement and inflation of multiple modules with diverse challenges such as climbing walls, trampolines, and cargo nets, supported by a rigid frame for stability and ease of reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If inflatable obstacle courses are designed as separate modules, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inflatable modules into a single integrated inflatable structure that contains multiple obstacle course elements (trenches, walls, platforms) within one continuous inflatable body. This merging approach maintains the adaptability of multiple obstacles while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need to assemble and connect separate modular components.
2Ease of operation
If each module is inflated separately, then ease of operation is improved for individual setup, but productivity decreases due to multiple inflation operations required
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable structure consolidates multiple obstacle elements into one single inflatable component that can be inflated simultaneously through a single air pump connection. This eliminates the need to perform multiple separate inflation operations for different modules, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining ease of operation through simplified inflation control.
3Strength
If inflatable portions are augmented with rigid frames, then strength and stability are improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the inflatable portion itself as the primary structural element, eliminating the need for rigid frames. The inflated air chambers provide the necessary strength and stability to support obstacle course functions and user loads, while maintaining lightweight construction. This approach replaces heavy rigid framing with lightweight inflatable structures that achieve comparable mechanical strength through internal air pressure.
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 versatile and expandable obstacle course that can be rearranged to present various physical challenges with a single air pump, providing a comprehensive and dynamic training environment while maintaining structural integrity and ease of setup.
Implementation Method 1
A constant air inflatable portion is configured to be placed adjacent to a second constant air inflatable portion with a first constant air inflatable portion and a last constant air inflatable portion. The constant air inflatable portion fits over the frame unit and is preferably strapped to the frame unit.
Implementation Method 2
The constant air inflatable portion covers a portion of the frame unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular inflatable obstacle course includes a frame unit. The frame unit is configured to be placed adjacent to a second frame unit in a sequence with a first frame unit and a last frame unit. A constant air inflatable portion is configured to be placed adjacent to a second constant air inflatable portion with a first constant air inflatable portion and a last constant air inflatable portion. The constant air inflatable portion fits over the frame unit and is preferably strapped to the frame unit. The constant air inflatable portion is attached to the frame unit to support the constant air inflatable portion. The constant air inflatable portion covers a portion of the frame unit. An air connection such as a fabric tube is preferably formed between the frame unit and the constant air inflatable portion.