Trampoline Balance Beam With Spring-Assisted Rebound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balance beams used for gymnastic training lack sufficient upward impetus to assist gymnasts in executing higher rebounding jumps and vertical maneuvers, limiting the acquisition of gymnastic skills and increasing the risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A balance beam assembly with a rectangular frame supported by elastic straps and helical tension springs at each end, providing significant upward lift and shock absorption along its length, allowing for controlled rebounding movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid balance beam is used to support gymnast weight without significant flexing, then structural strength is improved, but upward impetus for rebounding jumps is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The balance beam is segmented into a rigid central section and flexible end sections. The rigid center maintains structural strength for supporting gymnast weight, while the flexible ends equipped with springs and elastic straps provide upward impetus for rebounding jumps without compromising overall beam strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the beam have different mechanical properties. The central portion is rigid to bear weight, while the end portions are made flexible with spring mechanisms to generate upward force. This local differentiation allows the beam to simultaneously provide structural strength and rebound assistance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shock absorption is incorporated into the balance beam, then injury risk is reduced, but upward rebound assistance is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorption system is made dynamic through spring mechanisms that can adjust their response based on the gymnast's actions. The springs provide gentle shock absorption during landing to reduce injury risk, while simultaneously storing and releasing energy to assist upward rebound when needed for jumps.
3Reliability
If the balance beam is made rigid and stable, then gymnast safety during exercises is improved, but time for skill acquisition is increased due to limited rebound assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The balance beam with spring-assisted rebound provides self-service by automatically giving upward impetus to the gymnast after landing. This reduces the need for external assistance or repeated practice attempts, allowing gymnasts to focus on learning techniques rather than compensating for lack of rebound, thereby accelerating skill acquisition while maintaining safety.
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
Enhances the gymnast's ability to perform higher jumps and maneuvers by providing increased upward impetus and safety through reduced injury risk, facilitating faster skill acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
The beam is supported vertically and laterally within the frame by a grouping of elastic straps
Implementation Method 2
The beam is positioned longitudinally within the frame by means of two sturdy helical tension springs between each beam end and the corresponding frame end
Implementation Method 3
This shock absorption reduces the potential for injury
Data Source
AI summary
A balance beam for training gymnasts has been invented. The balance beam has the capability of absorbing the downward momentum of a gymnast landing on the beam and then providing a near equal upward thrust to the gymnast allowing greater heights and longer air time in an immediately following jump thus facilitating the quicker learning of gymnastic skills. To achieve this, the beam is supported within a frame of similar dimension as the beam. The components which support the beam within the frame are located at each end of the beam and consist of a special arrangement of springs and elastic straps which represent the embodiment of the invention.