Modular Slide and Ladder with Fixed-Angle Hook Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing playground equipment lacks a multifunctional design that allows for safe and easy climbing and sliding while preventing accidents, especially on trampolines, due to the lack of secure and adjustable attachment systems for ladders and slides.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional slide and ladder device with a secure hook system that connects the ladder and slide portions at a fixed angle, allowing them to be used together or separately, and can be easily disconnected for storage or attached to trampolines or other elevated structures, ensuring safe and stable access and egress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ladder and slide are connected with a secure fixed-angle connection system, then safety and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components (ladder portion and slide portion) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The connection system uses discrete hooks and attachment points rather than a complex integrated mechanism, allowing each component to be simple while the assembly provides stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system allows the ladder and slide to be dynamically assembled and disassembled by users based on their needs. The fixed-angle connection provides rigid stability during use, but can be easily released when not in use, transforming the device from a permanent installation to a flexible, on-demand structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ladder and slide are designed as a single integrated unit, then structural stability is improved, but the ease of storage and transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The play structure is segmented into detachable ladder and slide portions that can be separated for storage. Each portion maintains its structural integrity independently, allowing them to be stored separately in compact spaces or reconfigured for different uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder and slide portions are designed as universal components that can function both together as a complete play structure and separately as individual elements. This multi-functionality allows the same components to provide structural stability when assembled while enabling easy storage when disassembled.
3Ease of operation
If the connection system allows easy disconnection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions between two states: a locked engaged state during use that provides reliable fixed-angle connection, and a disengaged state for easy storage. The design allows simple user activation to switch between these states, maintaining reliability during operation while enabling easy disconnection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the ladder and slide portions, providing a simple interface that users can easily operate. This intermediary connection system uses straightforward hook-and-attach geometry that is simple to engage and disengage while maintaining strong, reliable connections during play.
Data Source
AI summary
The multifunctional device has slide and ladder portions easily connectable for use together as a self-supporting unit, and easily detachable for use separately on other equipment or for compact storage or transport. When set-up for use as a self-supporting unit, the ladder and slide portions are hooked together by a double-hook/double-axle connection system that does not allow the angle between the ladder and slide to change any significant amount during normal use of the set-up device. Yet, quick disconnection may be done when the weight of the user is removed, by purposely lifting and pivoting the portions, and then unhooking their top ends from each other. When disconnected from each other, the ladder and/or the slide portion (and preferably both) may be connected/hooked to another object(s), for example, a trampoline or a play equipment platform or other specially-adapted elevated structure, for climbing up to, and sliding down from, said trampoline/platform.