Trampoline Dual Spring Linkage Impact Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Backyard trampolines often cause injuries due to users landing in awkward positions on the rebounding surface, and existing safety measures are either ineffective or unsuitable for low-performance trampolines used for recreational purposes, as they either reduce rebound performance or require spring replacements.
Innovation Solution
A trampoline system with dual spring elements, where an upper spring and a lower spring are connected by a linkage arm, allowing for adjustable tension to absorb impact and enhance rebound performance, accommodating users of varying weights and skills without needing spring replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bed tension is reduced to make it more forgiving and reduce injuries, then shock absorption improves, but rebound performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is segmented into two distinct groups: softer springs for shock absorption and safer landing, and stiffer springs for rebound performance. This segmentation allows each group to optimize its function independently, resolving the contradiction between safety and rebound performance
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bed have different spring characteristics - softer springs in certain areas for cushioning and stiffer springs in other areas for rebound. This local differentiation allows the bed to provide both shock absorption and performance in appropriate zones
2Power
If spring tension is increased to improve rebound performance, then power improves, but shock absorption worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is divided into functional segments with different tension levels. The stiffer springs provide the necessary tension for rebound performance without requiring the entire bed to be high-tension, thus maintaining safety through the presence of softer springs
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform spring tension is used throughout the bed, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different user weights and skills deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bed incorporates springs with locally differentiated properties - softer and stiffer springs positioned in specific patterns. This allows the system to adapt to different user weights and skill levels without requiring complete spring replacement, as the mixed configuration naturally accommodates varying loads
4Reliability
If all springs are replaced with softer springs to reduce injuries, then safety improves, but rebound performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than replacing all springs uniformly, the system segments springs into softer and stiffer groups that work together. The softer springs handle initial impact absorption while stiffer springs contribute to rebound, achieving both safety and performance without complete spring replacement
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 dual spring system improves shock absorption and rebound performance, allowing a wider range of users to safely enjoy trampolines while minimizing the need for frequent adjustments and spring replacements, thus reducing injury risks and accommodating different user abilities.
Implementation Method 1
an upper spring and a lower spring are connected by a linkage arm, allowing for adjustable tension to absorb impact and enhance rebound performance
Data Source
AI summary
A trampoline provides higher performance and greater shock absorption capability by utilizing pairs of springs to connect the rebounding mat to the supporting frame. The springs in each pair are coupled to a common junction on the periphery of the rebounding mat, being disposed vertically with respect to each other. The upper spring in each pair is directly connected to the rebounding mat and the trampoline frame to initially to tension the mat in the equilibrium position. The lower spring in each pair is coupled to the frame and then to rebounding mat via a linkage arm such that it comes substantially under tension only as the corresponding upper spring is stretched. Depending on the level of impact force on the trampoline mat both springs extend, such that their combined stored energy propels the user upward on the return bounce. However, as each spring pair engages in stages the shock of the users initially landing is gradually absorbed.