Trampoline Connector Angled Cord Attachment Tension Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trampoline systems face challenges in adjusting tension for users of varying weights and abilities without replacing elastic cords, leading to increased stress and friction, which reduces cord life and requires more material for separation, resulting in a higher profile and potential interference with user footfall.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a connector design with angled cord attachment locations that allow the same elastic cord to be adjusted for different tensions, reducing stress and friction, enabling longer cord life and a lower profile without the need for material separation, thus allowing cord segments to be in contact, which increases durability and reduces vertical height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the same elastic cord is used for multiple users of varying weights, then adaptability is improved, but stress and friction on the cord increase, reducing cord life
Solution Approach 1:
The connector allows changing the effective cord length by adjusting the cord's position within the connector body, thereby modifying the tension parameter. This enables the same cord to adapt to different user weights while reducing excessive stress that would otherwise shorten cord life.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary device between the elastic cord and the rebounder frame, providing a mechanism to adjust cord tension and distribution. This mediator allows flexible adaptation to different users while protecting the cord from damaging stress concentrations.
2Reliability
If material separation is used to prevent cord interference, then cord protection is improved, but device height increases, creating footfall interference
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design nests the cord within the connector body structure, allowing cord segments to be contained and organized without requiring extensive external separation materials. This nested arrangement protects the cord while maintaining a compact profile that avoids footfall interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within its body to separate and organize cord segments, rather than relying on additional vertical separation materials. This dimensional approach protects the cord while keeping the overall device height low.
3Length of stationary object
If connector profile is reduced to lower height, then footfall interference is minimized, but cord retention capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs flexible internal structures and thin-walled designs that provide effective cord retention through friction and geometric constraints rather than bulky rigid components. This maintains strong cord holding capability while minimizing the connector's external height profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes curved surfaces and rounded geometries to retain cords through friction and mechanical interlocking, rather than relying on sharp edges or high vertical profiles. The curved design effectively holds cords while maintaining a low overall height to prevent footfall interference.
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 design extends the life of elastic cords by 28% and allows for a larger jump surface without compromising spring performance, while minimizing material usage and maintaining a low profile, thus enhancing user comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a cordlike flexible elastic member (201) connecting the rebounding mat (1002) to the frame (909)
Data Source
AI summary
A trampoline with a frame has a rebounding mat that is tensioned to the frame with a plurality of flexible and cordlike linear elastic members. Cordlike elastic members are connected to the frame with at least one connector retaining the cord such that two portions of the cord extend at an angle greater than 5 degrees and less than 25 degrees relative to one another.