Modular Trampoline Frame with Stress-Relief Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trampoline game apparatuses are heavy, unwieldy, and difficult to install due to their unitary frame design, and they lack improvements in frame stress relief, player safety, and efficient object return mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features separate rebound surface and flexible material mounting frames coupled to allow movement and relieve stress, with preassembled flexible material units, cross frame members for separation and strengthening, walk members for assembly access, improved goal connections, and mechanisms for returning objects to the player's area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a unitary frame design is used, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the apparatus becomes heavy and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into separate modular components including a base frame, vertical posts, and cross members that can be assembled independently. This segmentation reduces the weight of individual components and simplifies transportation and installation while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms.
2Strength
If a unitary frame design is used, then the structure is more rigid, but the apparatus becomes difficult to assemble and lacks flexibility for stress relief
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates adjustable and movable connections between components, allowing the structure to adapt to installation conditions and operational stresses. Connection points can be repositioned and components can be easily detached or reconfigured, providing both assembly flexibility and dynamic stress relief while maintaining structural strength.
3Ease of operation
If preassembled flexible material units are used, then the apparatus is easier to install, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible material units are preassembled with attachment mechanisms and connection elements integrated into modular sections. This preliminary preparation of components simplifies the final installation process by reducing the number of field assembly steps required, while the modular design keeps individual unit complexity manageable.
4Stability of the object's composition
If cross frame members are added for separation and strengthening, then the frame stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cross frame members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural strengthening, create separation between play areas, and act as attachment points for flexible materials. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving multiple stability and organizational goals.
Data Source
AI summary
A game apparatus including at least one rebound surface and flexible material dividing the rebound surface into at least two play areas includes a rebound surface mounting frame and a flexible material mounting frame coupled to hold the frames in substantially fixed relationship but allow movement of one frame in relation to the other for stress relief between the frames. At least one cross member supports the flexible material between play areas and reinforces the flexible material mounting frame. The individual play areas are formed by separate preassembled flexible material units that are mounted in the flexible material mounting frame and then secured together to for the individual play areas. The flexible material mounting frame includes walk bars and also supports basket assemblies used in game play.