Trampoline Enclosure Support Members Resilient Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trampoline enclosure systems do not effectively address the need for a safe and flexible barrier for spring-based trampolines that can absorb impact energy and provide a strong rebound while ensuring user safety.
Innovation Solution
A trampoline and enclosure system featuring a flexible mat supported by coil springs within a peripheral frame, combined with a flexible net barrier and resiliently deformable fibreglass or spring steel enclosure support members that are pre-tensioned to absorb impact and maintain net tension above the mat, allowing for dynamic rebound and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame and solid barrier are used to surround the trampoline, then structural strength and stability are improved, but safety is worsened due to the risk of injury from rigid components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid frame and barrier components with flexible elements. The barrier is made of flexible net material that can deform under impact, and the support members are resiliently flexible rods that bend rather than break. This maintains structural integrity while eliminating injury risks from rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the barrier and support members from rigid to flexible. The barrier material transitions from solid rigid structure to flexible net, and support members transition from rigid poles to resiliently flexible rods that can deform elastically under load.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If resiliently flexible support members are used instead of rigid poles, then safety is improved by reducing injury risk, but structural strength is worsened due to potential deformation under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-tensions the barrier net and positions the resiliently flexible support members to be ready to absorb impact energy. The support members are designed with predetermined deformation characteristics that allow them to cushion impacts before they reach dangerous levels, protecting users while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful impact force into beneficial elastic deformation of the support members. When users impact the barrier, the resiliently flexible rods deform and store energy, then return it to gently rebound users, transforming harmful impact into a safe, controlled response.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the barrier is made of flexible net material, then safety is improved by allowing deformation under impact, but manufacturing precision is worsened due to difficulty in maintaining consistent tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-tensions the barrier net during assembly to ensure consistent tension across all sections before use. The resiliently flexible support members are pre-positioned and pre-loaded to establish uniform tension distribution, eliminating variability that would otherwise occur during operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If enclosure support members are connected at upper ends to draw and pretension them, then net tension is improved for maintaining barrier shape, but device complexity is worsened due to additional connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of support and pretensioning into a single integrated system. The resiliently flexible support members serve dual purposes: providing structural support and maintaining net tension through their elastic deformation characteristics. The upper connections merge the barrier attachment and pretensioning functions into one mechanism.
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 a high degree of flexibility and safety by absorbing impact energy and gently rebounding users, while maintaining net tension and preventing injuries from enclosure support members.
Implementation Method 1
a trampoline comprising a flexible mat and a plurality of coil springs holding the mat in tension within a peripheral frame
Implementation Method 2
which are free to resiliently deform away from the mat when impacted by a user against the barrier or an enclosure support member
Implementation Method 3
connected together at or towards the upper ends of the enclosure support members to draw and pretension the upper ends of the enclosure support members away from their natural rest state
Data Source
AI summary
A trampoline comprising a flexible mat (3) and a plurality of springs (4) holding the mat in tension within a peripheral frame (1) of the trampoline which surrounds the mat has an enclosure system surrounding the mat. The enclosure has a lower peripheral part coupled to the mat and a plurality of resiliently flexible upright enclosure members (5) to support the barrier above the mat. The enclosure support members are free to resiliently deform away from the mat when impacted by a user against the barrier. They are also connected together at the upper ends of the enclosure support members away from their natural rest state and towards the center of the mat. When impacted by a user against the barrier on the side of the enclosure causing the barrier to resiliently deform away from the mat, the enclosure support members are resiliently deformed towards the center of the mat.