Adjustable Linkage Backboard for Sloped Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable basketball goal assemblies face issues when set on uneven surfaces, as the base tends to slope, causing the backboard and rim to tilt, which affects the bounce and usability of the equipment, and existing adjustment mechanisms are either difficult to use or require tools and ladders.
Innovation Solution
A system with adjustable support linkages and brackets that allow the backboard to be manually adjusted to a vertical position and leveled on sloped surfaces without the need for tools, using bolt hole and slotted connectors to change the angle of inclination and pivot the backboard within a single plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the base is placed on a sloped surface, then the portable basketball goal assembly can be positioned on uneven terrain, but the backboard and rim become tilted and slope, affecting the bounce and usability
Solution Approach 1:
The backboard support system incorporates adjustable linkages and brackets that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the backboard's angular orientation relative to the support pole. The linkage system includes adjustable connections between the support pole and backboard mounting brackets, enabling the backboard to be tilted at different angles to compensate for sloped surfaces while maintaining proper vertical orientation for consistent ball bounce and playability
2Reliability
If adjustment mechanisms are added to change the angle of the backboard, then the backboard orientation can be corrected on sloped surfaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into discrete modular components: adjustable linkages connecting the support pole to mounting brackets, separate angular adjustment brackets with pivot points, and independent height adjustment mechanisms. Each segment can be adjusted independently, allowing the backboard orientation to be corrected through a series of small, manageable adjustments rather than requiring a complex monolithic mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary linkage elements and bracket components between the support pole and the backboard mounting system. These intermediary elements serve as adjustable connectors that transfer and modify the geometric relationship between the fixed support pole and the backboard, enabling angular adjustment without requiring direct modification of the main structural components
3Reliability
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used to change backboard angle, then the backboard orientation can be adjusted, but tools and ladders are required making the process difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-adjusting through manual operation. The linkage system incorporates built-in adjustment features such as movable connectors, pivot brackets with manual rotation capability, and telescoping elements that can be modified by hand without requiring external tools. The entire angular adjustment process can be performed by manually manipulating the adjustment components while the backboard is supported in its operational position
Data Source
AI summary
A portable basketball goal assembly that has a backboard and rim. The backboard can be adjusted to a vertical position even if the assembly is set on a sloped surface. The backboard is supported at an elevation by a pole and linkages. The linkages engage brackets that are affixed to the backboard. A manual adjustment is provided that selectively moves the point where at least one of the linkages connects to the bracket. This changes the angle of inclination of the bracket. Since the backboard is affixed to the brackets, the angle of inclination also changes. This enables the backboard to be adjusted to a vertical orientation when the pole is slanted away from vertical due to uneven ground.