Multilayer Composite Balance Beam Surface Impact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balance beams used in artistic gymnastics often cause trauma to gymnasts' joints due to high impact forces, while existing improved designs compromise on stability and rebound performance.
Innovation Solution
A balance beam with a multilayer composite surface, comprising a rigid upper layer of rubbery material and a lower layer of polyurethane foam, designed to distribute impact force uniformly and absorb energy, ensuring stability and controlled rebound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid intermediate plate is interposed between two flexible layers, then impact force is reduced, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper surface is segmented into two distinct layers: a rubbery material layer and an elastic material layer. Each layer has different mechanical properties that contribute to different functions - the rubbery layer provides impact resistance and stability, while the elastic layer provides energy return. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing functions across layers rather than using a single homogeneous structure or rigid plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining two different materials with complementary properties: rubbery material (high elasticity, good impact absorption) and elastic material (energy return, structural support). This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of impact force reduction and stability maintenance, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the upper surface is made more elastic to support jumps, then rebound is improved, but bearing stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper surface is divided into two layers with different elastic properties. The rubbery material layer provides controlled elasticity for rebound while the elastic material layer provides structural support for bearing stability. This segmentation allows independent optimization of rebound and stability characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the upper surface have different material properties: the rubbery material layer provides localized elasticity where needed for rebound, while the elastic material layer provides localized structural support for bearing stability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between rebound and stability.
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
The solution significantly reduces impact force by over 60% while maintaining stability and ensuring acceptable rebound, thus protecting gymnasts' joints and enhancing performance confidence.
Implementation Method 1
The upper layer is a layer of rubbery material and the lower layer is a layer of an elastic material of stiffness less than the stiffness of said rubbery material of the upper layer. The upper layer of rubbery material is chosen and dimensioned so as to be sufficiently rigid to distribute the impact force within the lower layer
Implementation Method 2
The lower layer is chosen and dimensioned to absorb the impact energy as much as possible, without penalizing the bearing security
Implementation Method 3
The upper layer is nevertheless sufficiently elastic not to be trauma-inducing, and to give sufficient rebound
Data Source
AI summary
A gymnastics balance beam includes a rigid elongate member of specific cross-section covered with a covering, the elongate member of specific cross-section including a planar upper surface on which is provided an elastic multilayer composite including at least two layers, namely an upper layer, and a lower layer in contact with the planar surface of the elongate member of specific cross-section. The upper layer is a layer of rubbery material and the lower layer is a layer of an elastic material of stiffness less than the stiffness of the rubbery material of the upper layer. Such a balance beam limits the risks of injury by reducing impact forces, while maintaining bearing security for gymnasts.