Modular Play Set with Swivel Assembly for Rotational Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional play sets, especially swings, are limited in design, often providing only a fixed axis motion and not accommodating twisting or rotational movements, and are typically inexpensive and poorly constructed for backyard use, lacking versatility and weather protection.
Innovation Solution
A modular play set with adjustable support assemblies and a swivel assembly that allows for swinging and rotational motion, incorporating a platform with handles and a swivel axis, enabling users to swing and rotate simultaneously, along with a flexible cover assembly for weather protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed axis swing design is used, then the swing structure is simple and cost-effective, but the swing motion is limited and cannot accommodate twisting or rotational movements
Solution Approach 1:
The swing structure incorporates a dynamic mechanism that allows the swing to rotate about a vertical axis while maintaining the ability to swing forward and backward. The swing seat is connected to the support structure through a pivot mechanism that enables multi-directional motion, transforming a static fixed-axis design into a dynamic multi-mode swing that can accommodate both traditional swinging and rotational twisting motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing design integrates multiple functions into a single structure, allowing it to provide both traditional forward-and-back swinging motion and rotational twisting motion. The support structure includes a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate various swing configurations and play equipment, making the swing versatile for different types of play and activity.
2Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive play equipment is used, then the cost is reduced, but the construction quality and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The play set is divided into modular components including separate support structures, swing seats, and attachment mechanisms that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. This segmentation allows for cost-effective production of individual components while maintaining overall construction quality through standardized connection methods and quality-controlled assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes adjustable parameters such as variable height support poles, adjustable swing positions, and configurable attachment points that allow the same basic structure to accommodate different play equipment and usage scenarios. This parameter flexibility enables cost-effective manufacturing of a universal structure that can serve multiple purposes without requiring expensive specialized components for each configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design is used, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The play set is divided into modular components including separate support structures, swing seats, and attachment mechanisms that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. This segmentation allows for cost-effective production of individual components while maintaining overall construction quality through standardized connection methods and quality-controlled assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing design integrates multiple functions into a single structure, allowing it to provide both traditional forward-and-back swinging motion and rotational twisting motion. The support structure includes a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate various swing configurations and play equipment, making the swing versatile for different types of play and activity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular play set including a support beam for supporting one or more play equipments therealong, two or more support assemblies each supporting an end of the support beam above a support surface, the support assemblies each including one or more upright poles having a lower end for engagement with the support surface and an upper end remote from the lower end, a lateral support structure engaging the upper end of each pole, the lateral support structure having a support beam connection for connecting to one end of one or more of the support beams and extending by a predetermined distance transverse to the or at least one of the support beams connected thereto. A play equipment may be a swing having a pivot assembly mounted to the frame for pivoting about a substantially horizontal fixed axis; a swivel assembly operatively associated with the pivot assembly for pivoting about a swivel axis substantially orthogonal to the said fixed axis to pivot about the fixed axis; and a frame mounted to said swivel assembly for supporting a user, the frame having a platform spaced from the fixed axis a distance sufficient for a user to stand on the platform through which the swivel axis passes and a hanger portion operatively interposed between the platform and the swivel assembly and spaced from the swivel axis.