Modular Playground Grid Foundation for Rapid Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing playground construction methods involve permanent placement of structures, making it difficult and costly to adapt to changing user needs or preferences, as they require labor-intensive excavation and planning, limiting flexibility and modularity.

Innovation Solution

A modular playground structure with a grid foundation featuring universal support locations that allow modules to be easily repositioned, reconfigured, and replaced without excavation, accommodating both short-term and long-term use by using a grid layout of support locations that can be aligned in any orientation and secured with minimal tools and effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If permanent in-ground foundations are used for playground structures, then structural stability and strength are improved, but adaptability and ease of reconfiguration deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to changing user needs

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The playground system is divided into modular components (playground modules with footings) that can be independently positioned and reconfigured on a grid foundation, allowing structural stability through proper foundation design while enabling easy adaptation by simply relocating modules without excavation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foundation system transitions from static permanent cemented footings to a dynamic reconfigurable grid system where support locations are predetermined but modules can be moved between locations, providing both structural stability and adaptability to changing user preferences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If permanent cemented footings are used for playground structures, then structural reliability is improved, but ease of operation and reconfiguration deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural reliabilityVSAvoidease of reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The grid foundation with predetermined support locations is installed in advance, establishing reliable structural support points before modules are placed. This preliminary action ensures structural reliability while allowing modules to be easily reconfigured later by simply moving them between predetermined support locations without excavation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If excavation and heavy equipment are used for permanent playground installation, then foundation strength is improved, but construction time and labor requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation strengthVSAvoidconstruction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation system is segmented into a grid of predetermined support locations that can be installed using minimal excavation, eliminating the need for heavy equipment. Modules are then placed on these support locations, achieving adequate foundation strength without the labor-intensive excavation and cementing processes of traditional methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses removable footings and support structures that provide adequate foundation strength during use but can be easily removed and relocated when reconfiguration is needed, replacing the need for permanent cemented foundations that require heavy equipment for installation and modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular playground modules are used, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodularity and reconfigurabilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The grid foundation provides universal support locations that can accommodate any playground module type in any position, enabling high adaptability and reconfigurability while maintaining structural stability through consistent, predetermined support points designed to handle various module configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9206581B2Modular and reconfigurable playground support structure

Publication Date: 2015.12.08 MOLLICK JONATHAN DAVID

AI summary

A modular grid structure and method of construction for a playground, wherein the position of playground modules is easily established and rearranged within a array of securement locations and in relation to surrounding modules. The grid comprises a permanent or temporary foundation having a plurality of playground module support locations aligned in a grid or array, such that the playground may be constructed by placing the support posts of the module in connection with the foundation support locations. The disclosed support locations comprise embodiments that permanently secure the posts of a playground module using a pin-locking support hole, or alternatively a temporarily support means to movement for a shorter period while allowing swift setup and breakdown of the entire assembly, such as for temporary playgrounds.