MATRIX APPLIED COMPUTING

Product catalog summary

Introduction
Trampolines are popular among children but pose safety risks, with 90,000 injuries reported annually in the U.S. Dr. Keith Alexander from Canterbury University sought to create a safer trampoline, leading to the development of the Springfree™ Trampoline, which eliminates traditional impact zones by placing the frame below the jumping surface and using tensioned netting.

Design and Innovation
Alexander's design features high-tech cleats made from fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene, connecting the jumping mat to the frame. These cleats are crucial for maintaining tension and ensuring safety. The Springfree Trampoline has gained popularity, selling 40,000 units annually worldwide.

Engineering and Optimization
As the demand for Springfree Trampolines grew, the need to optimize the cleat design arose. Matrix Applied Computing was engaged to enhance the cleat's strength and reduce costs using Abaqus finite element analysis (FEA) software. The redesign included adding ribs to the cleat for better stress distribution, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective component.

Simulation and Testing
Matrix conducted field research and physical testing to understand the cleat's performance. Using SolidWorks CAD models and Abaqus FEA, they simulated various designs to optimize the cleat's geometry. The final design uses less material and includes two ribs for added support.

Future Developments
Further optimization using SIMULIA's Abaqus Topology Optimization Modeling (ATOM) tool revealed potential for a four-rib design, which could be implemented in future trampoline models.

Conclusion
The collaboration between Springfree and Matrix Applied Computing has resulted in a safer, more efficient trampoline design, demonstrating the power of engineering and simulation in product innovation.

Catalog excerpts

MATRIX APPLIED COMPUTING CONSUMER GOODS CASE STUDY

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Ask a kid if they like trampolines and their eyes are sure to light up with joy. But ask some parents and you may get an entirely different response. Despite tightened manufacturing standards, covered springs and frames, and safety net enclosures, some 90,000 children are still injured on traditional trampolines every year in the United States alone. Still, the equipment is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Dr. Keith Alexander, an associate professor of engineering at Canterbury University, New Zealand, felt there had to be a safer way to enjoy the trampoline. “I always believed that,...

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Figure 2. Abaqus FEA analysis of rod ball movement within cleat socket. As Guido Quesada, CAE Design Engineer at Matrix, recalls, “We were already familiar with Springfree trampolines and knew it was a very technical product. Sometimes a potential customer calls with some funny toy or crazy idea that’s hard to take seriously. This was definitely not the case with Springfree. From the start, we knew we had a significant challenge with this cleat design project.” There were two main drivers of the challenge, according to McIntyre: “We wanted to improve the strength, the ultimate load capability,...

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MATRIX APPLIED COMPUTING

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