Trampoline Balloon Inflation via Bounce-Activated Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trampoline safety enclosures and auxiliary effects do not incorporate a dynamic and engaging mechanism that utilizes user activity to inflate balloons, providing an additional entertainment and safety feature.
Innovation Solution
A trampoline system with a bounce module that inflates balloons using a fluid pump activated by a bounce sensor, where the pump inflates balloons as users jump, with a one-way valve ensuring air flow only into the balloon, and an inflatable bag underneath the trampoline to enhance fluid pressure, connected to the hose for continuous inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bounce module with pump and sensor is added to the trampoline, then balloon inflation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bounce module, pump, sensor, and balloon inflation mechanism into an integrated system. The bounce module serves dual purposes: maintaining trampoline tension and powering the balloon inflation system through the integrated pump and sensor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bounce module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural component for trampoline operation and as a power source for the balloon inflation feature. The sensor simultaneously monitors bounce activity and triggers the pump operation.
2Reliability
If a one-way valve is used to regulate flow to the balloon, then inflation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve is extracted as a separate, simple component within the hose assembly. This allows the valve function to be implemented with minimal complexity while maintaining reliable inflation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve is implemented as a simple, inexpensive component that ensures reliable inflation control without requiring complex mechanisms. The valve is designed for ease of installation and maintenance.
3Stress or pressure
If an inflatable bag is installed underneath the trampoline bed, then fluid pressure for balloon inflation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bag is designed to be periodically inflated and deflated in sync with user bouncing activity. The bounce sensor detects rhythmic bouncing and triggers the pump to inflate the bag during active use, maintaining pressure without continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable bag system is self-regulating through the bounce sensor and pump integration. The system automatically activates the pump when bouncing is detected and deactivates it when bouncing stops, eliminating the need for manual pressure regulation.
4Extent of automation
If a bounce sensor is used to activate the pump, then user activity utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bounce sensor provides feedback to the pump control system, creating a closed-loop automation system. The sensor detects user bouncing activity and automatically triggers the pump to inflate balloons, providing real-time feedback-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operation of balloon inflation is replaced with an automated sensor-based system. The bounce sensor electronically triggers the pump, substituting mechanical manual inflation with an automated electromechanical system.
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 provides an interactive and entertaining way to inflate balloons, enhancing user engagement while ensuring safety through the use of a bounce-activated pump and inflatable bag, allowing balloons to be inflated until they pop, offering a unique combination of entertainment and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
The bounce sensor requires more than 20 bounces to pop a balloon
Implementation Method 2
A one-way valve is configured to regulate flow only to the balloon, and blocking any flow away from the balloon
Implementation Method 3
The fluid pump inflates a balloon when the bounce sensor detects a bounce
Implementation Method 4
The inflatable bag is sized to be pressed between the ground and the trampoline bed, so that the inflatable bag is connected to the hose and providing fluid pressure to the hose
Data Source
AI summary
A trampoline has a trampoline bed with a bounding surface, and a trampoline bed bounding surface. A trampoline frame holds the bounding surface substantially horizontally to provide an area for a user. A balloon coupler is attached to the trampoline. A bounce module is mounted underneath the trampoline bed bounding surface. The bounce module is placed to receive motion from a user. The user activates a mode of the bounce module during jumping. A conduit hose is attached to the balloon coupler. A one-way valve is configured to regulate flow only to the balloon, and blocking any flow away from the balloon. A pump may pump water or air to the balloon. A balloon is attached to the balloon coupler so that the balloon is in fluid communication with the conduit hose.