Trampoline Fall Protection Rope Tensioning Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Trampoline training for individuals with disabilities or impaired balance poses significant risks due to lack of independence and increased staffing costs, and existing securing systems are unsuitable as they lift or control the user, altering the natural weight and balance experience.
Innovation Solution
A fall protection device comprising a non-resilient rope connected to the user via a safety vest, a tautening device to maintain rope tension with minimal retraction force, and a device limiting rope extension to prevent falls, allowing users to train independently while ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a securing system is used to protect users during trampoline training, then safety is improved, but the user experience is worsened because the system lifts or controls the user, altering natural weight and balance experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the securing system by using a non-resilient rope with minimal retraction force, allowing the rope to remain taut without actively lifting or controlling the user. This maintains safety while preserving natural weight and balance experience during trampoline training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tautening device as an intermediary mechanism that maintains rope tension passively without actively interfering with user movement. The device ensures the rope remains taut for safety while allowing natural bouncing motion, mediating between safety requirements and user experience.
2Force
If a tautening device exerts high retraction force to hold the rope taut, then rope tension is improved, but balance training effectiveness is worsened because natural balance reflexes cannot be trained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the retraction force parameter to be as low as possible while maintaining adequate rope tension. This allows the rope to provide safety without interfering with natural balance reflexes, enabling effective balance training for users with disabilities or impaired balance.
3Reliability
If existing securing systems are used on trampolines, then safety is improved, but device suitability is worsened because the systems are designed for treadmill/locomotion use and lift the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts the securing system specifically for trampoline use by modifying local characteristics: using a non-resilient rope instead of elastic cords, minimizing retraction force, and positioning the system to allow natural bouncing motion. This makes the safety system suitable for trampoline training while maintaining its protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
A fall protection device for trampolines includes at least one rope which is preferably substantially non-resilient and can be connected to a user of the trampoline. At least one tautening device is provided for holding the rope taut when the fall protection device is in use. Also provided is at least one device for limiting the rope extension.