Trampoline Bedrail Pivot and Shock Absorber for Impact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trampoline parks face injuries due to the lack of effective energy absorption when patrons land on trampoline bedrails, particularly with steel bar frameworks that provide no absorption and steel cable frameworks that only transfer impact energy, creating a wave effect and limited absorption.
Innovation Solution
A trampoline suspension mount and connection system with a pivoting bedrail and a shock absorber assembly, comprising a telescoping vertical stand with a shock absorber assembly that includes a coil spring or gas spring to absorb impact, allowing the bedrail to pivot and reduce force upon landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel bars are used for the trampoline framework, then structural strength is improved, but energy absorption capability deteriorates (no absorption whatsoever)
Solution Approach 1:
The bedrail is divided into multiple sections with pivot points, allowing each segment to rotate independently during impact. This segmentation enables the framework to absorb energy through controlled movement while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The bedrail transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with pivot points that allow rotation during impact. This dynamic behavior enables the framework to adapt to impact forces and absorb energy through controlled movement rather than remaining rigid
2Loss of energy
If steel cables are used for the trampoline framework, then some energy absorption is achieved through flex, but the impact energy is transferred throughout the cables creating a wave effect that reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful wave effect is extracted and eliminated by replacing the continuous cable system with discrete modular units connected by pivots. Each module absorbs impact locally without transferring energy waves throughout the entire framework
Solution Approach 2:
Pivot points serve as intermediaries between framework members, allowing controlled rotation and energy absorption while preventing the transmission of harmful impact waves throughout the structure. The pivots mediate the interaction between adjacent framework elements
3Loss of energy
If a pivoting bedrail with shock absorber assembly is incorporated, then energy absorption and impact force reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber assembly is nested within the vertical stand structure, with the telescoping mechanism containing the spring assembly. This nesting integrates multiple functions into a compact configuration, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy absorption capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism and shock absorber assembly are merged into a single integrated unit at each corner of the framework. This combination eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure while providing both rotational freedom and impact absorption
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 system effectively reduces the impact force on patrons by allowing the bedrail to pivot and absorb energy, thereby minimizing the risk of injury, providing a safer trampoline experience compared to traditional frameworks.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorber assembly, comprising a telescoping vertical stand with a shock absorber assembly that includes a coil spring or gas spring to absorb impact
Implementation Method 2
a shock absorber assembly that includes a coil spring or gas spring to absorb impact
Implementation Method 3
This system allows the bedrails to pivot upon impact, thereby lessening the force of the impact on the patron
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A trampoline suspension mount and connection system with an elongated bedrail that is pivotally attached to a telescoping vertical stand. The telescoping vertical stand has a first tubular member, a second tubular member, and a base plate. The second tubular member fits telescopically inside of the first tubular member. A top end of the second tubular member is configured to form at least one channel into which an end of the bedrail is inserted. The first and second tubular members contain a shock absorber assembly.