Trampoline Resilient Plates and Rail System for Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational trampolines face challenges with user safety and performance, particularly in larger models, due to the gap between the jumping mat and frame, and the traditional use of extension springs which can pose dangers and limit performance feel.
Innovation Solution
The trampoline design incorporates a rail system that allows flexible and resilient plates to pivot and move freely, acting as multiple springs for enhanced performance while preventing lateral movement, with adjustable rail positions and materials like laminated spring steel to customize bounce characteristics, and a safety net for user protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional extension springs are used to secure the mat to the frame, then the trampoline provides bounce functionality, but the springs and spaces between them present safety dangers for users jumping near the edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional extension springs entirely from the system and replaces them with flexible resilient plates that extend upward from the frame to support the mat, eliminating the harmful springs while maintaining the bounce function
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible resilient plates serve as an intermediary element between the frame and the mat, providing the necessary elastic support and bounce functionality without exposing users to the dangers of traditional extension springs
2Reliability
If the space between the jumping mat and frame is reduced, then user safety is improved, but the performance and bounce characteristics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible resilient plates extend upward from the frame in a vertical dimension, allowing the mat to be supported at a higher position while maintaining safety, and providing additional degrees of freedom for elastic deformation and bounce performance
3Reliability
If flexible and resilient plates are used instead of extension springs, then safety is improved by eliminating spring dangers, but the device complexity increases with the need for plate support means and rails
Solution Approach 1:
The rails serve multiple functions: they provide support for the flexible resilient plates, prevent lateral movement of the plates, allow controlled pivoting motion, and can be positioned at different heights to customize bounce characteristics, consolidating multiple functions into a single structural element
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rails are used to engage plates at different positions, then customizable bounce characteristics are achieved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for dynamic configuration where rails can be positioned at different heights and the flexible resilient plates can pivot to different angles, enabling customization of bounce characteristics without requiring completely different structural designs for each configuration
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
This design enhances user safety and performance by providing a more controlled and customizable bounce experience while maintaining low manufacturing costs, improving safety and performance for larger trampolines without the need for traditional extension springs.
Implementation Method 1
The rods are flexible and resilient so as to bend downwards and inwards as a person's weight comes onto the mat during jumping and to return to the original position as the weight comes off the mat causing a back and forth twisting motion of the mat
Implementation Method 2
each flexible and resilient plate acts as a series of springs with the upper portion acting as a first active element and the lower portion as a second active element
Data Source
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AI summary
A trampoline including: a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality of spaced apart legs; a plurality of spaced apart flexible and resilient plates connected to said frame against relative movement therebetween and extending upwards therefrom; a jumping mat extending between said spaced apart flexible and resilient plates and being operatively connected at or adjacent its periphery thereto, said plates being arranged for movement inwards and outwards towards the opposite side of said mat in response to a user jumping on said mat; and plate support means operatively connected to said frame and arranged to engage said plurality of plates intermediate said frame and said mat.