Roller-Flange Coupling for Tool-Free Modular Parkour Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular sports facilities for parkour and climbing require complex and time-consuming manual alignment and attachment of heavy structural elements, lacking a universal solution for simple and rapid coupling/decoupling without tools, and do not meet current safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a cylindrical main body and a transverse roller mechanism that allows easy insertion and locking of male and female structural elements, using a flange to secure the connection and comply with safety standards, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly by relative translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual alignment and attachment methods are used for modular sports facilities, then structural elements can be coupled together, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling device as an intermediary component between male and female structural elements. This device includes a cylindrical main body with a transverse lumen containing a roller mechanism that mediates the connection process, transforming complex manual alignment into simple insertion and locking actions
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional components: a cylindrical main body for insertion, a transverse lumen for the roller mechanism, and a locking system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall coupling process
2Strength
If heavy structural elements are used for sports facilities, then stability and strength are improved, but ease of movement and repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a dynamic roller mechanism within its transverse lumen that can move between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic element allows the connection to transition from a fixed, stable state to a movable, repositionable state, enabling heavy structural elements to be easily repositioned when needed while maintaining stability during use
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is pre-configured with the roller mechanism in a locked position, preparing the heavy structural elements for stable operation before any repositioning is needed. When repositioning is required, the preliminary locking mechanism is simply released, allowing easy movement without requiring complex disassembly procedures
3Reliability
If precise alignment is required for coupling attachment points, then connection reliability is improved, but attachment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs asymmetric male and female connection interfaces with cylindrical geometries that guide alignment automatically during insertion. The asymmetric design of the roller mechanism within the transverse lumen ensures that the connection point is uniquely determined, providing reliable coupling without requiring precise manual alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical main body and roller mechanism are designed to self-align during the insertion process. The geometry of the coupling device causes it to automatically orient itself correctly as it is inserted into the corresponding opening, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or procedures and reducing attachment time while maintaining reliability
4Ease of operation
If attachment points are made accessible for easy separation, then operational simplicity is improved, but structural integrity and safety may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The roller mechanism is nested within the transverse lumen of the cylindrical main body, creating a compact integrated structure. This nested design allows the separation function to be accessed through the main body without exposing internal components, maintaining structural integrity while enabling easy operation through the external cylindrical interface
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
Facilitates simple and rapid attachment of structural elements and apparatus without tools, ensuring stability and safety compliance, reducing jamming risks and enabling efficient modular configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a roller (120) capable of sliding between two extreme positions
Implementation Method 2
the roller (120) being capable of being fixed to said male structural element or male tackle
Implementation Method 3
a means for returning said roller into a so-called unlocked position
Implementation Method 4
said means for returning said roller into a so-called unlocked position being a spring
Implementation Method 5
Said flange has a base extending said cylindrical main body when said roller is in the unlocked position, and adapted to form a stop against the wall of said female structural element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (100) between a male element (11) and a female element (11) of a parkour sports facility (10), the device comprising a main body (110) intended to be inserted into a corresponding opening (13) in the female element (11), said main body (110) comprising a slot (111) in which is arranged a roller (120) adapted to slide between two extreme positions, as well as a return means (130) in an unlocked position, said roller (120) adapted to be fixed to said male element (11) on one side of the main body (110), and is connected to a flange (140) on the other side of the main body (110), said flange (140) having a base extending from said cylindrical main body (110) when said roller (120) is in the unlocked position, adapted to form a stop against the female element (11) when said roller (120) is in a locked position, so as to couple said elements.