Adjustable 3D Goal Structure for Portable Ball Games

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ball games require two-dimensional goals, limiting the creativity and variety of gameplay, and often necessitate large playing areas.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional goal with adjustable size, formed as a polyhedron, such as a cube, allowing players to throw an object into openings from outside the court perimeter, which can be easily assembled and disassembled for portability and affordability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a three-dimensional polyhedral goal is used instead of a two-dimensional goal, then the gameplay variety and creativity are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegameplay varietyVSAvoidgoal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The three-dimensional goal is divided into multiple planar panels or surfaces that are connected at edges to form a polyhedral structure. Each panel can be independently manufactured and then assembled together, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the 3D shape. This segmentation allows the complex 3D form to be built from simpler 2D components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The goal structure incorporates nested or layered panels where inner panels are positioned within outer panels, creating the three-dimensional polyhedral form. This nesting approach allows the complex 3D structure to be compactly organized and efficiently manufactured while maintaining structural integrity and gameplay functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the goal is made adjustable in size, then the adaptability to different playing settings is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The goal incorporates movable joints and adjustable connections between its panels, allowing the structure to dynamically change its size and configuration. These dynamic elements enable players to adjust the goal dimensions to suit different playing conditions while maintaining structural stability through mechanical linkage designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is designed with universal components that can accommodate multiple size configurations and playing scenarios. The same mechanical elements serve both structural support and size adjustment functions, reducing the need for separate adjustment devices and minimizing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the goal is made light-weight for easy transport, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural strength may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidgoal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The goal panels are constructed from thin-walled tubular structures or hollow chambers that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. These thin-walled forms maintain structural integrity through their geometric shape and material distribution, enabling the goal to be lightweight for portability while retaining sufficient strength to withstand gameplay forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The goal structure utilizes composite materials combining lightweight components with reinforcing elements. The composite construction provides both the low weight needed for easy transport and the structural strength required for durable gameplay, achieving a balance between portability and durability through material optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12569738B2Portable goal for playing a game
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 NIKIFOROV DMITRII
  • US12569738B2 patent drawing
  • US12569738B2 patent drawing
  • US12569738B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device and methods for playing a game are provided. The game utilizes a goal. In one embodiment, the goal resembles a cube. A user can stand outside the perimeter of the goal and can throw an object, such as, for example, a ball, into the goal. The size of the goal can be adjustable.