Reversible Wall Padding with Pre-Tensioned Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional outdoor stadium wall padding systems are limited by the need for a rigid backing board and only one usable side, which restricts flexibility and longevity, and do not effectively address temperature-induced wrinkling of the cover.

Innovation Solution

A reversible resilient wall padding apparatus with a pre-tensioned resilient cover and pad connectors that allow the pad to be easily attached and detached from a vertical surface with either side facing outward, eliminating the need for a rigid backing and incorporating hook-and-loop fasteners or magnetic strips for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional outdoor stadium wall padding uses a rigid backing board with single-sided padding, then the structure provides stable support and protection, but it restricts flexibility and reduces longevity by allowing only one usable side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and longevityVSAvoidrigid backing board structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall padding is divided into separate components: a flexible backing material, padding material, and a resilient cover, eliminating the need for a rigid backing board. This segmentation allows the padding to be more flexible while maintaining structural integrity through the interplay of these components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional single-sided padding approach by creating a reversible double-sided padding system where either side can face outward. This is achieved by attaching the resilient cover to both sides of the padding material, allowing the padding to be flipped and reused on both sides, thereby doubling its usable life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If conventional wall padding uses a non-pre-tensioned cover, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but temperature changes cause wrinkling of the vinyl cover

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimizes temperature-induced wrinklingVSAvoidpre-tensioning process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient cover is pre-tensioned during installation by stretching it over the padding material before securing it in place. This preliminary tensioning action compensates for thermal expansion and contraction that occurs with temperature changes, preventing wrinkles from forming while the padding is in service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If conventional safety pads use permanent attachment methods, then the padding provides stable protection, but it cannot be easily removed or repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeasy installation and removalVSAvoidstable attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system uses reversible adhesive tape that allows the padding to be dynamically installed, removed, and repositioned as needed. This dynamic attachment method provides sufficient holding strength for stable protection during use, while enabling easy removal and reinstallation when maintenance or repositioning is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 extends the life of the wall padding by utilizing both sides and minimizes temperature-induced wrinkling through pre-tensioning, while allowing easy installation and removal, and provides adjustable positioning for improved fit and durability.

Implementation Method 1

The pad connector includes a magnetic strip for releasable attachment to a wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a pre-tensioned resilient cover to provide a tension on the cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the cover due to a change in temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic tension: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9909321B2Reversible resilient wall padding apparatus and methods for releasably attaching same to a wall

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 SPORTSFIELD INTELLECTUAL LLC

AI summary

A reversible resilient wall padding apparatus includes a reversible resilient wall pad and at least one pad connector. The pad includes front, rear, and peripherally-extending sides, and at least one side connector disposed along the peripheral-extending side. The pad connector includes a first portion releasably attachable to the side connector, and a second portion attachable to a vertical surface of a wall. The pad is attachable in a first orientation with the front side facing outwardly and the first portion of the pad connector being attached to the side connector, and the second portion of the pad connector being disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the pad and the vertical surface of the wall, and a second orientation with the rear side of the pad facing outwardly and the first portion of the pad connector being attached to the side connector, and the second portion of the pad connector being disposed adjacent to the front surface of the pad and the vertical surface of the wall.