Resilient Deck Structure for Platform Tennis Courts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Platform tennis courts with aluminum decks are too rigid, causing discomfort and injuries due to the hardness of the surface, and the extensive welding process is cumbersome and costly, requiring complex alignment and many welds.
Innovation Solution
A resilient deck structure is created by suspending aluminum platform decks on flexible mounts, such as springs, and using modular, deeper deck panel extrusions that can be mechanically fastened together, reducing the need for welding and allowing for adjustable firmness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If aluminum deck extrusions are used to create a rigid playing surface, then durability and structural strength are improved, but the deck becomes too rigid and unforgiving on knees and joints, causing player discomfort and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces resilient members (springs, elastomeric elements) between the deck extrusions and support structure, changing the mechanical parameters of the system from purely rigid to semi-rigid with controlled compliance. This allows the deck to maintain structural strength while reducing impact forces transmitted to players' bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining rigid aluminum deck extrusions with flexible resilient members. This composite system integrates the strength benefits of metal with the shock-absorbing properties of elastic materials, resolving the contradiction between structural rigidity and player comfort.
2Reliability
If extensive welding is used to assemble deck modules, then structural reliability is improved, but the fabrication process becomes complex, time-consuming, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process with mechanical connection systems including resilient members, bolts, and interlocking extrusion designs. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive welding while maintaining structural reliability through proven mechanical fastening methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the deck into modular extrusion sections that can be independently manufactured and then assembled using simple mechanical connections. This segmentation allows for easier fabrication, transportation, and assembly while maintaining overall structural integrity through the modular design.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular deck panels are used to simplify assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the number of connection points and potential weak areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the connection system: the resilient members simultaneously serve as shock absorbers, structural connectors, and alignment guides for modular panels. This merging reduces the number of separate connection components needed while improving both assembly ease and connection reliability.
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 provides a more comfortable playing surface by reducing impact and injury risk while simplifying construction by eliminating extensive welding, allowing for easier assembly and transportation of deck components.
Implementation Method 1
A spring hanger assembly is resiliently connected between the I-beams and the transverse members
Implementation Method 2
resilient members can be used to establish and adjust the firmness of the playing surface
Data Source
AI summary
According to a resilient platform assembly, a playing deck includes a plurality of horizontally disposed deck panels. Each deck panel of the plurality of horizontally disposed deck panels has a pair of foot flanges on the bottom of the deck panels. Receiving shoes are attached to the deck panels. The receiving shoes are configured to receive the foot flanges of the deck panels. A transverse member is perpendicular to the plurality of horizontally disposed deck panels. The transverse member includes a plurality of notches. Each notch of the plurality of notches is cut in the transverse member in a predetermined spacing pattern. The receiving shoes are installed in the notches and the deck panels are attached to the transverse member through the receiving shoes. Resilient mounts connect the transverse member to a support assembly and allow relative motion between the transverse member and the support assembly.