Trampoline Enclosure with Diagonal Spiral X-Panel Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trampoline enclosures with vertical or arc-shaped poles lack the structural integrity and safety features to effectively absorb force and provide a secure, unobstructed area for high jumping, as they do not efficiently distribute the weight and stress of users.

Innovation Solution

The trampoline enclosure features diagonally oriented spiral section members forming X-shaped panels that connect to each other and the frame legs, creating a unique structural framework that supports a net enclosure, allowing for high jumping while maintaining user safety through distributed stress absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If vertical or arc-shaped poles are used in conventional trampoline enclosures, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the structural integrity and stress distribution are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidenclosure structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure poles are divided into multiple diagonal segments that form X-shaped panels, with each segment connected at intermediate junctions. This segmentation allows the structure to better distribute stress across multiple members rather than relying on single vertical poles, thereby improving structural integrity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized connection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure transitions from symmetric vertical/arc-shaped poles to asymmetric diagonal X-shaped panel configurations. The diagonal orientation and X-shaped arrangement create non-symmetric stress distribution patterns that better accommodate dynamic loading from jumping, improving overall structural strength while the modular nature keeps complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If conventional vertical or arc-shaped poles are used, then the enclosure structure is simpler, but the ability to absorb force and provide secure support is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoidenclosure structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the enclosure into multiple X-shaped panels connected at intermediate junctions, the structure creates multiple load paths that distribute forces more effectively. This segmentation improves reliability by preventing force concentration at single points, while the use of standardized connection components keeps the overall complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure structure transitions from two-dimensional vertical/arc-shaped poles to three-dimensional diagonal X-shaped panel configurations. This dimensional change allows the structure to absorb forces from multiple directions simultaneously, improving safety and reliability while the modular design controls complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the enclosure provides sufficient structural support, then user safety is improved, but the jumping area may become obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoidunobstructed jumping area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation into X-shaped panels with intermediate junctions allows for optimized spacing and positioning of structural elements. This segmentation enables the enclosure to provide adequate support while maintaining larger clear spaces within the enclosure area, preventing obstruction of the jumping zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diagonal X-shaped panel configuration in three-dimensional space allows structural support to be provided at angles that clear the central jumping area. This dimensional arrangement enables the enclosure to maintain structural integrity while preserving a large unobstructed jumping zone in the center.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 diagonally oriented spiral section members provide enhanced structural integrity and safety by distributing stress effectively, allowing for secure and unobstructed high jumping within the trampoline area, improving user safety and jumping experience.

Implementation Method 1

enclosure poles formed as right oriented spiral section members and left oriented spiral section members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpiral geometry stress distribution: Helix

Implementation Method 2

flexible vertical poles configured to flex inwardly to absorb force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11207583B2Trampoline frame
Publication Date: 2021.12.28 CHEN SAMUEL
  • US11207583B2 patent drawing
  • US11207583B2 patent drawing
  • US11207583B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A trampoline has a horizontal bed frame. A bed is suspended across the horizontal bed frame. The horizontal frame includes a horizontally oriented bed frame for suspending the bed. Frame legs are attached to the horizontal frame for supporting the horizontal frame above a ground surface. An enclosure includes a net suspended from an upper enclosure loop. An enclosure frame includes enclosure poles formed as right oriented spiral section members and left oriented spiral section members preferably made from metal tubing such as steel tubing. The enclosure poles are diagonally oriented. The right oriented spiral section members intersect and are connected to the left oriented spiral section members at intermediate junctions to form X-shaped panels, namely a first X-shaped panel, a second. X-shaped panel and a third. X-shaped panel. At least three panels are used based upon the diameter of the enclosure frame.