Padded Pole Vault Plant Box with Recessed Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pole vault boxes do not provide adequate padding to protect athletes from injury during the pole vault jump, especially when they fall short of the horizontal bar or experience issues with the vault box engagement.
Innovation Solution
A pole vault plant box assembly with a platform and base section, featuring recessed padding trays and an optional collar of additional padding, designed to receive and secure the end of the vaulting pole, providing enhanced cushioning and alignment with existing landing pads to adhere to regulatory standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pole vault boxes are used without padding, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the athlete is at risk of injury when falling short of the horizontal bar or experiencing engagement issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating padding trays and cushioning material into the vault box structure before the athlete uses it. The padding trays are pre-installed in the platform, and cushioning material is placed within these trays to create a protective surface that cushions the athlete during unsuccessful attempts, preventing injury before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the padding system into separate components: a platform section, padding trays, and cushioning material. This modular approach allows the padding elements to be independently installed and adjusted without complicating the overall vault box structure, maintaining simplicity while enhancing safety.
2Reliability
If padding is added to the vault box, then athlete protection is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The padding system is segmented into separate manufacturing components (platform, padding trays, cushioning material) that can be produced independently and then assembled. This allows each component to be manufactured using optimized processes and simplifies assembly, as the padding elements are pre-fabricated and only need to be placed in their designated locations during final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The padding trays are pre-installed in the platform during manufacturing, and the cushioning material is pre-positioned within these trays. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site padding installation, reducing assembly complexity at the competition venue while maintaining comprehensive athlete protection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the platform is positioned below ground level, then the vault box integrates better with the terrain and provides stable engagement, but the installation and alignment with landing pads become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is pre-positioned below ground level during installation, and the padding trays are pre-installed on the platform surface. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment with the landing pad and stable engagement with the terrain before the vaulting pole is inserted, eliminating the need for complex adjustments during competition.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform provides stable engagement below ground level, while the padding trays create a localized cushioning surface at the precise location where the pole contacts the platform. This local quality approach ensures stability in the engagement area while providing targeted protection where needed, simplifying overall installation and alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to an assembly for engaging an end of a vaulting pole, wherein the assembly comprises a base section comprised of a frame configured to be at least partially recessedly installed in the ground. A platform is connected to the base and comprises a top surface comprising a planar surface configured to enable receipt of an end of a vaulting pole during a pole vault plant and at least one padding tray adjacent to a perimeter of the planar surface, which is configured to receive padding. Optionally, a collar of additional padding may be provided comprising at least one padding, wherein the collar is configured for operative coupling to the top surface of the platform.