Tubular Trampoline Frame Rod Retention Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trampolines have a solid frame and exposed springs, which can be hazardous and unsightly, while existing soft-edged trampolines with tubular holders for flexible rods do not adequately address the need for a secure and aesthetically pleasing frame structure.

Innovation Solution

A trampoline frame structure featuring a tubular base frame with apertures and deformations to securely hold the lower ends of flexible rods, allowing for interconnectable sections and a rolled edge to prevent rod damage, forming a secure and aesthetically improved soft-edged trampoline.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a solid frame with exposed springs is used, then structural strength is improved, but safety and aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful exposed springs and solid frame structure are removed from the design. Instead, flexible rods are inserted through apertures in a tubular base frame, extracting the dangerous elements while maintaining structural support functionality through the flexible rod mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A tubular base frame with apertures replaces the solid frame, and flexible rods provide the necessary structural support. This flexible structure eliminates safety hazards while maintaining strength, and the tubular frame with apertures provides both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If flexible rods are retained in a tubular base frame, then safety is improved, but structural stability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety hazardsVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible rods are nested within the tubular base frame structure, with each rod passing through an aperture and being retained by a formation inside the tubular frame. This nesting arrangement ensures the rods are securely held while allowing the flexible rods to provide structural stability through their resilient properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible rods change their physical state between compressed and extended positions, allowing them to maintain structural stability while providing safety. The apertures and formations in the tubular frame are designed with specific dimensions to retain the rods at appropriate positions, utilizing parameter changes to balance safety and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the base frame is made as a single piece, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidframe configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base frame is segmented into multiple tubular sections that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together. Each section contains apertures and formations for retaining flexible rods, and the sections connect to form complete frames of various sizes and configurations, providing both manufacturing simplicity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the aperture is close to the edge, then rod retention is improved, but rod damage risk worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod retentionVSAvoidrod damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A formation extending into the tubular frame from the lower side acts as an intermediary element between the aperture and the flexible rod. This formation provides secure retention of the rod while being spaced laterally from the aperture, preventing direct contact between the rod and the aperture edge that could cause damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a safer, more visually appealing, and durable soft-edged trampoline by securely retaining flexible rods within a tubular base frame, enhancing user safety and appearance while maintaining the soft-edged design.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of resiliently flexible rods each having an upper end retained in the flexible mat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the formation into the interior of the tubular base frame for each rod from the under side of the tubular base frame, is formed by deforming material of the underside wall of the base frame into the interior of the base frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8303469B2Trampoline

Publication Date: 2012.11.06 BOARD & BATTEN INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A trampoline comprises a flexible mat, a plurality of resiliently flexible rods each having an upper end retained in the flexible mat, and a base frame arranged to retain the lower ends of the flexible rods. The base frame comprises for each rod an aperture through an upper side of the base frame into the interior of the tubular frame, and a formation into the interior of the tubular base frame from the lower side of the base frame and spaced laterally from the aperture, which may be formed by deforming material of the underside wall of the base frame into the interior of the base frame, for receiving the lower end of the flexible rod.