Pole Vault Landing System Recess for Collar Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pole vault landing systems create a hazardous gap when placed over collars and tend to slide during use, failing to provide a flush surface with the ground and increasing the risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A pole vault landing system designed with a base section and a cutout section that includes a recess to receive the collar, ensuring the bottom surface is flush with the ground, and features such as 'U'-shaped recesses to stabilize the system and prevent sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pole vault landing system is placed on top of the collar, then the landing system can be installed above the pole vault box, but a hazardous gap is created between the landing system and the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is nested within a recess in the landing system base section, allowing the collar to be integrated into the landing system structure rather than the landing system being placed on top of the collar. This nesting arrangement eliminates the hazardous gap while maintaining installation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (landing system on collar) to a horizontal integration arrangement (collar within recess), changing the dimensional relationship between components to eliminate the gap hazard
2Adaptability or versatility
If the landing system is placed over the collar, then the landing system can accommodate the pole vault box, but the landing system slides during and/or after the vault box has been engaged by the athlete
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is nested within a recess in the base section, creating a fixed positional relationship between the collar and landing system. This nesting prevents the landing system from sliding while maintaining the ability to accommodate the pole vault box
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is pre-formed in the base section to receive the collar before the landing system is fully installed. This preliminary configuration ensures positional stability is established before the athlete engages the vault box
3Ease of manufacture
If the landing system is placed over the collar, then the landing system can be positioned above the pole vault box, but a non-flush surface is created between the landing system and the ground surrounding the pole vault box
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is nested within a recess that is dimensioned to match the collar dimensions (60 inches long, 48 inches wide, and 4 inches deep). This nesting arrangement allows the outer surface of the landing system to be flush with the surrounding ground while accommodating the collar
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a pole vault landing system configured for receiving a pole vault box collar. The pole vault landing system may be comprised of a base section and a cutout section positioned adjacent to the base section, where both the base section and the cutout section have top and bottom surface. The bottom surface of the cut out section additionally comprises a recess dimensioned to receive a pole vault box collar such that when the cutout section is placed over a pole vault box and a pole vault box collar, the pole vault box collar is received in the recess and the bottom surface of the cutout section is substantially flush with the ground surrounding the pole vault box.