Multi-layer Foam Frame Cover for Trampoline Impact Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trampolines lack effective protection for users from injuries caused by direct contact with the frame and elastic elements during jumps, as existing safety measures do not adequately address the varying rigidity and deformation of these components.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer frame cover with a base layer of polyethylene-based foam and a build-up layer of polyurethane-based foam, providing a spatially varying height profile to enhance damping and protection, specifically designed to cover the frame and elastic elements, with a stronger damping effect over the frame and reduced material usage over the elastic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer foam cover is used, then the manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the damping effect is insufficient and cannot be tailored to different areas
Solution Approach 1:
The frame cover is divided into multiple layers (base layer and build-up layer) made of different foam materials, each contributing different damping properties. This segmentation allows the cover to provide tailored damping effects for different areas - the base layer provides general cushioning while the build-up layer enhances protection where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer structure enables different regions of the frame cover to have different damping characteristics. The build-up layer can be strategically positioned to provide stronger damping in areas requiring enhanced protection, while maintaining simpler construction in areas where less damping is needed.
2Reliability
If the frame cover height is uniformly increased, then the protective function is improved, but the material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame cover features a spatially varying height profile where the build-up layer is strategically positioned only in areas requiring enhanced protection. This local variation in height ensures that material is used efficiently - providing maximum protection where needed while reducing material consumption in areas where less protection is required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly increasing the frame cover height across the entire structure, the build-up layer is applied partially only in specific regions where enhanced damping and protection are most beneficial, optimizing the balance between protective function and material usage.
3Reliability
If the frame cover does not vary in height, then the manufacturing is simple, but the damping behavior cannot be adapted to different areas
Solution Approach 1:
The frame cover incorporates a spatially varying height profile with a build-up layer that creates different damping characteristics in different areas. This local variation in height allows the cover to be adapted to the specific requirements of different regions - providing stronger damping over the frame construction area and adjusted damping over the elastic elements area.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame cover features an asymmetric height profile rather than a uniform symmetric design. The build-up layer creates varying heights across different regions, allowing the damping behavior to be optimized for each specific area's requirements while maintaining a manufacturable structure.
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 multi-layer frame cover significantly increases the trampoline's functional reliability by providing targeted damping and protection, reducing the risk of injury while optimizing material usage and ensuring a safe, tripping-hazard-free surface.
Implementation Method 1
The multi-layer structure has a base layer made of a PE (polyethylene)-based foam and a build-up layer made of a PU (polyurethane)-based foam
Implementation Method 2
The frame cover has a multi-layer structure whose layers are made of different materials. The multi-layer structure has a base layer made of a PE (polyethylene)-based foam and a build-up layer made of a PU (polyurethane)-based foam
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a trampoline (1) with a jumping mat (6) attached to a frame structure (2) by elastic elements, and with a frame cover (8) that covers the top of the frame structure (2) and the elastic elements. The frame cover (8) has a multi-layered structure, the layers of which consist of different materials. Alternatively or additionally, the frame cover (8) has a spatially varying height profile.