Trampoline Frame with Flexible Plates for Springless Bounce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional trampolines with extension springs pose safety hazards and manufacturing inefficiencies, and soft-edged trampolines lack the traditional feel and performance.
Innovation Solution
A trampoline design featuring a frame with flexible and resilient plates extending upwards, connected to a jumping mat without extension springs, using flexible rods or tubes for support, and a safety net system for enhanced safety and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extension springs are used to secure the jumping mat to the frame, then the trampoline provides traditional bounce performance, but safety hazards increase due to exposed springs and spaces between mat and frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes extension springs from the trampoline design entirely, extracting the harmful element while maintaining the bouncing function through alternative means (flexible mat supported by legs without springs). This eliminates the safety hazards associated with exposed springs and the spaces between the mat and frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible jumping mat that is supported directly on the frame without springs, relying on the mat's own flexibility and the frame structure to provide the bouncing effect. This eliminates the need for exposed springs while maintaining trampoline functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If a frame with spaced legs and extension springs is used, then traditional trampoline structure is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates extension springs from the assembly, removing a complex component that requires precise installation. This simplifies both the manufacturing process and final assembly, as the mat is directly supported on the frame without requiring spring attachment to radial slots and hooks.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using springs to connect the mat to the frame (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by having the mat directly rest on and be supported by the frame structure itself, reversing the conventional connection method and simplifying the overall assembly.
3Reliability
If soft edged trampolines without frames and extension springs are used, then safety is improved by eliminating springs, but the traditional trampoline feel and performance are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the system: a rigid frame structure provides stable support and traditional performance characteristics, while the flexible mat provides the necessary compliance and bounce. This localized differentiation maintains traditional feel while improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural foundation, supports the mat directly without springs, defines the trampoline boundary, and maintains the traditional aesthetic and performance characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates springs while preserving traditional feel.
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 design provides a safer, more efficient manufacturing process while maintaining the traditional trampoline feel, offering improved user safety and performance without the need for extension springs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spaced apart flexible and resilient plates extending upwards from said frame and connected thereto against relative movement therebetween
Implementation Method 2
The rods are flexible and resilient so as to bend downwards and inwards as a person's weight comes onto the mat during jumping and to return to the original position as the weight comes off the mat causing a back and forth twisting motion of the mat
Data Source
AI summary
A trampoline which is reliable and efficient in use, and which does not require extension springs to secure the jumping mat to the frame. The trampoline may maintains the traditional feel of a trampoline more satisfactorily than presently known soft edged trampolines. The trampoline may also be efficiently manufactured.