Trampoline Frame Joint Torsional Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trampoline frame designs lack sufficient rigidity to effectively resist torsional forces, which can lead to structural instability during use.

Innovation Solution

A trampoline frame joint system that includes a joint sleeve welded to both the horizontal and vertical frame members, with a flange brace plate and upper/lower brace welds to enhance the connection, and a plug weld for additional reinforcement, forming a robust T-junction connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a simple saddle weld connection is used between vertical and horizontal frame members, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the rigidity and ability to resist torsional forces is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidjoint structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joint system is divided into multiple functional components: saddle weld reinforcement bracket, joint sleeve, flange brace plate, and multiple weld types (saddle weld, plug weld, brace welds). Each component performs a specific function in resisting different types of forces, collectively providing comprehensive structural reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The joint system combines multiple welding methods (saddle weld, plug weld, brace weld) and structural elements (metal brackets, sleeves, and plates) to create a composite connection system that leverages the strengths of each component to achieve superior rigidity and torsional resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple reinforcement components are added to the frame joint, then the rigidity and torsional resistance improve, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle weld reinforcement bracket and joint sleeve are pre-fitted to the frame members before final assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and reduces assembly complexity during final installation, as the components are already configured in their correct spatial relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The joint sleeve is inserted within the T-joint connector, and the flange brace plate is positioned against the joint sleeve and frame members. This nested arrangement of components (bracket within sleeve, plate against sleeve) creates a compact multi-layered reinforcement system that maximizes structural strength while minimizing overall space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enhanced joint system significantly increases the rigidity of the trampoline frame, effectively resisting torsional forces and ensuring structural integrity during user activity.

Implementation Method 1

The joint sleeve is welded to the horizontal member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

the vertical member is welded to the horizontal member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS10010736B2Trampoline frame joint
Publication Date: 2018.07.03 CHEN SAMUEL
  • US10010736B2 patent drawing
  • US10010736B2 patent drawing
  • US10010736B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A trampoline has a trampoline frame that includes trampoline frame legs for supporting the trampoline frame, a trampoline bed extended across the trampoline frame for allowing users to rebound on the trampoline bed, a vertical frame member connected to a horizontal frame member, and a trampoline frame joint connecting the vertical frame member to the horizontal frame member. The trampoline frame joint has a joint sleeve formed as a strip. The joint sleeve is fitted to the trampoline frame joint. The horizontal frame member is connected to the trampoline frame joint. The joint sleeve overlies an opening rim edge of the horizontal member. The joint sleeve is welded to the horizontal member and the vertical member is connected to the trampoline frame joint. The vertical member is welded to the horizontal member.