Playground Overpass Structure to Reduce Head Entrapment Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing playground apparatuses with elevated play spaces lack sufficient safety measures, posing head entrapment and injury risks, particularly from overlapping bars and mounting methods with large holes, while still being desirable for their adventurous play experience.
Innovation Solution
A playground apparatus with a frame structure featuring a soft pliable platform, cover support poles, and side walls, providing a partially enclosed elevated play space, using materials like plastic, fabric, and mesh to enhance safety and excitement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional elevated play structures with rigid bars and platforms are used, then children can climb and play at heights, but head entrapment risks increase due to overlapping bars being too close together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the platform from rigid to soft and pliable, transforming it from a hard surface to a compliant cushioning element that can deform to prevent head entrapment while maintaining structural integrity for climbing activities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of rigid structures causing head entrapment into a benefit by using soft pliable material that actively cushions and protects children's heads, turning the platform into a safety feature rather than a hazard
2Ease of manufacture
If mounting straps with large holes are used to attach elevated platforms, then installation is simplified, but injury risks increase due to exposed holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical properties of the platform material to be soft and pliable, allowing the material itself to conform to and cover mounting attachment points, thereby eliminating the need for separate hole covers while maintaining installation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining soft pliable platform material with integrated mounting features, creating a unified structure where the platform material serves both as the play surface and as protection against mounting hardware hazards
3Ease of operation
If open elevated platforms are used, then children have free movement and visibility, but safety is reduced due to lack of enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses soft pliable material to create flexible enclosing walls and canopies that provide physical barriers and safety enclosure while maintaining flexibility and visibility, allowing children to move freely within the protected space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the platform from a simple flat surface to a three-dimensional enclosed space using soft material walls and cover, creating a safe play environment that maintains openness and visibility while providing protective enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A playground apparatus is provided comprising a frame structure. The frame structure comprises at least one elevated platform supported around at least a part of its periphery by the frame structure. Cover support poles are associated with the frame structure and located near to the platform. The cover support poles are configured to provide support for a cover that extends over a least a portion of the platform. There is also at least one side wall between the platform and the cover to provide a partially enclosed elevated play space in the playground apparatus.