Trampoline Mat Clip Attachment for Safe Bungee Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Assembling a trampoline with bungee cords is difficult and requires precise tension adjustment, especially for larger trampolines, posing challenges for assembly and safety during the process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using clips with hooks and elastic connectors, where the elastic material forms a loop that passes through a clip aperture, attached to the frame via the hook, and secured around the mat's edge, simplifying assembly and ensuring safe tension adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional knotting methods are used to attach bungee cords to the trampoline frame, then the elastic connectors can be secured to the frame, but the assembly process becomes extremely difficult and time-consuming for adults, especially for larger trampolines requiring high tension
Solution Approach 1:
A plastic clip is introduced as an intermediary component between the bungee cord and the trampoline frame. The clip includes a body with a first opening for receiving the bungee cord and a second opening for receiving the frame, eliminating the need for knotting. This mediator simplifies the attachment process by providing a mechanical connection system that is easy to assemble and adjust.
2Reliability
If bungee cords are stretched to provide adequate tension for the jumping surface, then the required tension is achieved, but the cords become difficult and unsafe to tie for adults assembling the trampoline
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is pre-assembled on the frame before the bungee cord is fully tensioned. The first opening of the clip receives the bungee cord in a relaxed state, allowing easy insertion. After the cord is stretched to the required tension, the second opening receives the frame to lock the cord in place, securing the tension without requiring knotting under tension.
3Strength
If individual bungee cords are knotted to attach the jumping mat to the frame, then the mat can be secured, but the process becomes extremely fiddly and difficult even for mini trampolines
Solution Approach 1:
The function of securing the bungee cord to the frame is merged into a single clip component. The clip combines the functions of receiving the cord, providing adjustment capability, and securing to the frame in one integrated piece, eliminating the separate steps of knotting and securing that characterize traditional methods.
4Ease of operation
If traditional spring mechanisms are used instead of bungee cords, then assembly is simpler, but users prefer bungee cords for safety and aesthetic reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The clip serves as a mediator that enables the use of bungee cords (which users prefer) while providing assembly ease comparable to traditional springs. The mechanical clipping system eliminates the need for knotting operations, making the preferred bungee cord system as easy to assemble as conventional spring mechanisms.
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
Facilitates easy and safe attachment of the trampoline mat to the frame, reducing the risk of injury during assembly and providing consistent tension for an enjoyable jumping experience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic connector comprising a length of elastic material with two ends; the two ends being connected together so that the elastic material forms a loop
Data Source
AI summary
A method for attaching a trampoline jumping mat to a trampoline frame using a plurality of clips and elastic connectors, each elastic connector having a first end that is a part of a loop, each clip having a handle connected to a hook, the handle having an aperture and a protrusion. The method includes, for each clip: passing the first end of an elastic connector through the aperture; attaching the hook to the trampoline frame; turning the first end to a first direction, so as to be guided around the hook, thereby changing to a second direction; passing the first end through an opening of the trampoline jumping mat, thereby changing back to the first direction; and pulling the first end over the protrusion, to be fastened to the protrusion. The first direction is from the handle to the hook, and is opposite to the second direction.