Vault Shaped Miniature Trampoline Spring Tension Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vault-shaped trampolines are ineffective for reducing joint stress during gymnastic maneuvers, particularly for young athletes learning foot or hand takeoffs, as they do not provide adequate support and stress reduction.
Innovation Solution
A miniature trampoline with a lightweight aluminum frame, inclined upper frame members, and specifically designed 4″ long springs to hold the trampoline bed in tension, mimicking the shape of a vault to minimize stress on wrists and hands during takeoff maneuvers, featuring a trampoline bed with polypropylene webbing and safety pads for impact reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing vault-shaped trampolines are used, then the device provides a vault shape for gymnastic maneuvers, but it does not effectively reduce joint stress during vaulting or tumbling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the trampoline by using specifically designed 4-inch long springs instead of standard springs, and by adjusting the frame geometry with inclined upper frame members. These parameter changes optimize the tension distribution and shock absorption capabilities, enabling effective joint stress reduction during vaulting and tumbling maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the trampoline bed can be selectively held in tension between the upper frame members through the spring mechanism. This dynamic tension adjustment allows the device to adapt to different gymnastic maneuvers while maintaining optimal stress distribution properties for joint protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a miniature trampoline with tensioned springs is designed, then joint stress is reduced during vaulting, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame into distinct functional components: upper frame members that are inclined toward the rear ends, lower frame members, and specifically positioned spring attachment points. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity and reducing joint stress during gymnastic maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning springs at specific locations along the upper frame members and designing the trampoline bed with particular tension characteristics in different areas. The inclined upper frame members provide localized structural support where needed, optimizing stress distribution during vaulting and tumbling while managing device complexity through purposeful design.
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 effectively reduces joint stress during vaulting and tumbling by distributing the impact through the tensioned springs and supportive frame, providing a safer and more effective training tool for gymnasts.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of springs, each spring having a spring fastener coupled to a respective upper frame member and a bed fastener coupled to the trampoline bed proximate a side edge thereof, wherein the springs are spaced apart along the respective upper frame members, respectively, such that the trampoline bed is selectively held in tension between the upper frame members, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature trampoline includes a frame having at least a pair of spaced apart upper frame members each having an upper front end and an upper rear end, respectively, the upper frame members being inclined toward the upper rear ends, respectively. A trampoline bed includes at least one planar surface and a pair of elongate side edges situated between the upper frame members and extending substantially between the upper rear ends and upper front ends of the pair of upper frame members, respectively. The trampoline includes a plurality of springs, each spring having a spring fastener coupled to a respective upper frame member and a bed fastener coupled to the trampoline bed proximate a side edge thereof, wherein the springs are spaced apart along the respective upper frame members, respectively, such that the trampoline bed is selectively held in tension between the upper frame members, respectively.