Trampoline Performance Index via Accelerometer Drop Test

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of a standardized method for classifying trampoline performance makes it difficult to determine whether a trampoline has low or high performance, leading to inconsistent safety measures, as testing centers must decide based on the trampoline's use without a defined standard.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a test specimen with an integrated acceleration sensor dropped onto the trampoline's jumping mat, measuring maximum deceleration and climbing height to calculate a performance index, which classifies trampolines into high or low performance categories using threshold values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a standardized test method is implemented, then measurement precision and reproducibility are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for specialized test specimens and sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance determination precisionVSAvoidtest setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A test specimen with integrated acceleration sensor serves as an intermediary between the trampoline system and the measurement equipment. This self-contained test specimen simplifies the overall measurement setup while ensuring consistent, reproducible results through standardized test procedures and defined specimen properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple performance parameters are measured, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended testing procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance characterization accuracyVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The acceleration sensor continuously records data throughout the entire rebound process, capturing multiple performance parameters (maximum deceleration, maximum climbing height, rebound characteristics) in a single continuous measurement sequence rather than through separate discrete tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Different performance parameters are derived from the same raw acceleration data by applying different analysis methods and calculation approaches, allowing multiple characteristics to be obtained from a single measurement without requiring additional testing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a simple classification system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient performance differentiation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification simplicityVSAvoidperformance classification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The performance index transforms multiple physical measurement parameters (deceleration, height) into a single dimensionless numerical value through a standardized formula, enabling simple threshold-based classification while preserving the ability to differentiate between various performance levels through the quantitative index values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This method allows for precise and reproducible determination of trampoline performance, enabling reliable classification and appropriate safety measures by forming a performance index from the ratio of maximum climbing height and deceleration, with empirical evidence supporting an exponential factor of 1.4.

Implementation Method 1

its maximum deceleration is determined using the acceleration sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration measurement: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

the test specimen hits the jumping mat, which then causes a restoring force when the test specimen is immersed in the jumping mat, which causes the test specimen to rebound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the test specimen is dropped from this initial height onto the jumping mat, rebounds from the mat, and is then moved upwards again

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3981477B1Method and assembly for determining the performance characteristics of a trampoline
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 EUROSTREETCARP STREETCARPOLINE KURT HACK
  • EP3981477B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3981477B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3981477B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining the performance characteristics of a trampoline (1) with a jumping mat (3) mounted in a frame structure (2). A test specimen (15) with an integrated accelerometer (17) is positioned at an initial height (h1) above the jumping mat (3). The test specimen (15) is dropped from this initial height (h1) onto the jumping mat (3), where it rebounds and moves upward again. During this upward movement of the test specimen (15), its maximum deceleration (I) is determined by means of the accelerometer (17), and the maximum rise (h2) of the test specimen (15) is also determined. A performance index, characteristic of this trampoline (1), is calculated from the ratio between the maximum deceleration (I) and the maximum rise (h2). The invention further relates to an arrangement (8) for carrying out the method.