Pole Vault Pit Drainage via Porous Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high jump and pole vault pit landing systems degrade prematurely due to exposure to wet or muddy conditions, requiring additional drainage solutions that add expense and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A pit landing system with integrated drainage, featuring a upper padding section and a lower water-permeable support section made of distinct materials, where the lower support includes discrete beads and intersecting members creating open spaces for water drainage and airflow, minimizing contact with the ground and reducing weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the pit landing system is positioned directly on the ground, then installation simplicity is improved, but water exposure causes premature degradation of vinyl and foam

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidserviceable life span

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pit landing system is divided into two distinct sections: an upper padding section (vinyl and foam) and a lower support section (water-permeable material). This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function - the upper section provides cushioning while the lower section provides drainage and support, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different materials are used in different locations within the system. The upper padding section uses vinyl and foam for cushioning, while the lower support section uses water-permeable material for drainage. This local differentiation of material properties allows the system to simultaneously achieve simplicity of installation and extended serviceable life by protecting the vulnerable upper section from water exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If wooden pallets are used to raise the pit off the ground, then water drainage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater exposureVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support and drainage functions are merged into a single lower support section made of water-permeable material. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate wooden pallets and drainage structures, reducing device complexity while effectively preventing water exposure to the upper padding section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower support section is constructed from water-permeable (porous) material that allows water to drain through it while providing structural support. This porous structure achieves the drainage function of wooden pallets but with simpler construction and reduced complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If a solid lower support is used, then structural stability is improved, but water drainage and air circulation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidwater accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lower support section uses water-permeable porous material that maintains structural stability while allowing water to pass through. The porous structure provides both the mechanical support needed for stability and the drainage pathways needed to prevent water accumulation, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 system effectively drains water, reduces the risk of degradation, extends the lifespan of the pit landing system, and enhances athlete safety while eliminating the need for separate drainage platforms, thus reducing costs and installation complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The lower support is operable to allow water to permeate through its structure while supporting the padding layer above the surface of the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

air to circulate around the components of the pit creating a drying effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS7753826B1High jump and pole vault pit landing systems having integrated drainage and methods for forming the same

Publication Date: 2010.07.13 SPORTSFIELD INTELLECTUAL LLC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a pit landing system having integrated drainage positionable on a surface of a ground includes an upper padding section and a lower support section. The lower support section includes a lower water permeable support operable to allow water to permeate through its structure while supporting the padding layer above the surface of the ground. The upper section includes a cover and the lower support section comprises a porous cover. High jumps and pole vaults including the pit landing system are also disclosed. Methods for forming the pit landing system and methods for protecting an athlete are also disclosed.