In-ground Trampoline Frame with Protective Edge Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trampolines pose safety risks, particularly for children, due to the risk of falling off or twisting upon landing, which can result in injuries, and existing solutions do not adequately address these issues for unsupervised use or vandalism protection.
Innovation Solution
A trampoline design with a frame embedded in the floor, using non-rusting metallic materials and covered elastic elements, including springs made of hot-dip galvanized steel, and a jumping mat of polyester bands with steel cable inserts, where the frame's edge segments form protective covers and support elements, and shock-absorbing and non-slip fall protection elements are applied to prevent direct contact and slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trampoline is designed with exposed elastic elements and frame edges for easy access and assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to risk of falling off and contact with elastic elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces protective covers as intermediary elements that physically separate users from dangerous elastic elements and frame edges. These covers act as a mediator between the structural components (springs, frame) and the user, eliminating direct contact while preserving the functional integrity of the trampoline.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective covers are designed to nest over the elastic elements and frame edges, creating a layered protective structure. The covers integrate with the existing trampoline structure while adding a safety layer, similar to nested dolls where one structure is placed within another.
2Ease of operation
If the trampoline frame is made above ground level for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to falling risks and leg kinking injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the trampoline from a horizontal above-ground structure to a vertical in-ground installation. By changing the dimensional arrangement and embedding the frame in the floor, the design eliminates the horizontal edges that cause falling risks while maintaining vertical access for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective covers serve as intermediaries that allow users to safely interact with the trampoline at ground level. The covers create a safe interface between the user's feet and the structural elements, enabling ground-level access without exposure to dangerous edges.
3Ease of repair
If the elastic elements are exposed for manual adjustment and maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to vandalism and unauthorized loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The protective covers act as intermediaries that prevent direct manual access to the elastic elements. Users would require special tools to remove the covers and access the springs, thereby preventing vandalism and unauthorized adjustments while still allowing legitimate maintenance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protective action by installing covers over the elastic elements before any potential vandalism or unauthorized access can occur. This pre-emptive measure prevents harmful actions while preserving the ability to perform legitimate repairs.
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 solution significantly enhances user safety by preventing falls and injuries, allows for unsupervised use, and protects against vandalism by making the trampoline difficult to tamper with manually, while also being durable and resistant to weathering.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic elements are formed by springs made of hot-dip galvanized steel
Implementation Method 2
The frame construction consists of a non-rusting metallic material and has a side wall that is closed in the circumferential direction of the trampoline. The elastic elements are formed by springs made of hot-dip galvanized steel.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The trampoline (1) has a net (4) fastened by elastic elements to a framework, where the framework is embedded in a base (2). The elastic element covers the top part of framework and protecting elements. The framework is made from non-rusting metallic material and hot-dip galvanized steel sheet. The shock absorbing block is made from rubber bar. The belt is made up of polyester and the net is made from a polyvinyl chloride-coated lattice fabric.