Trampoline Elastic Loop Attachment with Rotating Pulley Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems for recreational trampolines using metal springs or elastic cords face issues such as rust, metal fatigue, UV degradation, and frequent replacements, leading to safety hazards and reduced operational life.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing elastic loops with a loop connector assembly that includes pulley wheels and a gap space, minimizing wear by allowing the loops to rotate the pulley wheels as they stretch and contract, thereby reducing friction and extending the life of the elastic loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal springs are used to attach the rebound mat to the frame ring, then the trampoline provides bounce and support, but the metal springs rust, experience metal fatigue, and can break creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable but hazardous metal springs with elastic cords that are designed to be replaced periodically. While elastic cords have limited lifespan due to UV degradation, they eliminate the safety hazards of metal spring failure, including rust, metal fatigue, and sharp broken edges. The cords are made replaceable through the quick-release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes metal mechanical springs with elastic polymer cords. This material substitution eliminates the problems of rust and metal fatigue while maintaining the bounce function. The elastic cords provide the necessary mechanical support without the hazardous failure modes of metal springs.
2Power
If metal springs are used to attach the rebound mat, then the bounce function is provided, but the coils can catch hair, fingers, and clothing causing pinching hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastic cords instead of metal springs to eliminate the pinching and entanglement hazards. While the cords require periodic replacement due to degradation, they provide a safe alternative that does not have coils capable of catching hair, fingers, or clothing.
3Reliability
If elastic cords are used to attach the rebound mat, then safety hazards from metal springs are eliminated, but the elastic cords degrade when exposed to UV radiation and fray against surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pulley wheels as intermediary elements between the elastic cords and the frame/mat. The cords run through the pulleys rather than rubbing directly against surfaces, significantly reducing friction and wear. This mediator protects the cords from premature fraying while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and orientation of the elastic cords by routing them through pulley wheels. This alters the contact dynamics from direct surface rubbing to rolled contact, reducing wear and extending operational life while maintaining UV resistance characteristics.
4Strength
If elastic cords are stretched between the rebound mat and frame ring, then the attachment is provided, but the cords wear against surfaces and fray faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulley wheels as intermediary components to prevent direct contact between the elastic cords and the frame/mat surfaces. The cords pass through the pulleys, which bear the wear and friction, thereby protecting the cords from fraying and extending their service life while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct surface friction with pulley-based rolling contact. Instead of the elastic cords rubbing against flat surfaces, they pass through rotating pulley wheels, which converts sliding friction into rolling friction, significantly reducing wear on the cords.
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 system effectively reduces wear on the elastic loops, increases their operational life, and enhances safety by minimizing the risk of sharp edges and pinching hazards, while also allowing for easy replacement and adjustment of the loops.
Implementation Method 1
minimizing wear by allowing the loops to rotate the pulley wheels as they stretch and contract, thereby reducing friction
Implementation Method 2
The elastic cords are made of elastic polymers that degrade when exposed to UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for attaching a rebound mat to a peripheral frame using elastic loops. Each of the elastic loops has a first section and a second section that can be stretched in opposite directions. A loop connector is used to interconnect the two stretched loop sections. The loop connector has a first pulley wheel, a second pulley wheel, and a gap space. The first section of the elastic loop is extended through or around a feature of the peripheral frame. The second section is extended through or around a feature of the rebound mat. Once engaged with the loop connector, the first section of the elastic loop rests upon the first pulley wheel and the second section of the elastic loop rests upon the second pulley wheel. As the elastic loop stretches and contracts, the elastic loop rotates the pulley wheels, therein limiting the wear.