Adjustable Sail Speed Modifying Device for Moving Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for modifying the speed and trajectory of strikeable objects after they are struck or thrown often face limitations such as safety hazards, limited portability, difficulty in setup, and unsuitability for indoor use, while also failing to effectively control the direction of travel, leading to potential damage or unsafe retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a strikeable object coupled to a sail with adjustable aerodynamic resistance, which can be attached to an external anchor, allowing for control over the speed and trajectory of the object through the use of multiple sails and lines, enabling safe and controlled return of the object to its initial position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a net or cage is used to capture a struck or thrown object, then the object can be retrieved, but the device lacks portability and is difficult to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a strikeable object (ball), a sail, and connection lines. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, stored, and assembled, greatly improving portability and ease of setup compared to a fixed net or cage structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static structure (net or cage) to a dynamic configuration where the sail can be adjusted and repositioned. The ball-sail-line assembly can be configured in different orientations and positions, providing flexibility while maintaining simplicity.
2Speed
If a parachute is attached to reduce speed and distance, then the object travels shorter distance, but the direction of travel cannot be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The sail is positioned asymmetrically relative to the ball, with the suspension line attached at an offset location. This asymmetric configuration creates aerodynamic forces that not only reduce speed but also generate lateral forces to modify the trajectory of the ball, overcoming the limitation of symmetric parachute designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail introduces a new dimension of control by utilizing aerodynamic forces in addition to simple drag. The sail's orientation and position can be adjusted to control not just the magnitude of deceleration but also the direction of the ball's travel, adding trajectory control capability.
3Ease of operation
If an elastic tether is used to return the object, then the object returns to the player, but the return speed is relatively high and can be intimidating or unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The sail acts as an intermediary force between the ball and the player. Instead of the ball directly returning via elastic tether, the sail's aerodynamic resistance mediates the return process, gradually reducing the ball's speed over distance and delivering it safely to the player at controlled speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail provides progressive deceleration throughout the ball's flight path, cushioning the return before the ball reaches the player. This prevents sudden high-speed impacts by continuously opposing the ball's motion with aerodynamic drag, ensuring safe return even for novice or young players.
4Speed
If the sail area is increased to reduce speed more effectively, then speed reduction improves, but the device becomes less portable and harder to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The sail is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be folded or rolled when not in use. This segmentation allows a relatively large sail area to be maintained for effective speed reduction while enabling compact storage and easy setup by simply unfolding or unrolling the sail and attaching it to the ball.
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 device effectively reduces the speed of the strikeable object while allowing for controlled trajectory modification, enhancing safety, portability, and ease of setup, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use, including unsupervised practice and physical therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The sail is formed with three or more sides and has a shape and size to provide an effective amount of aerodynamic resistance to reduce the speed of a strikeable object placed in motion by a player.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball travel-modifying device comprising a sail and a strikeable object modifies a travel distance and a rate of travel of a struck or thrown object and returns the strikeable object to an initial rest position after each hit or throw. The shape of the sail is triangular, quadrilateral, or other shapes and may be symmetric or asymmetric. The sail may be formed with a flat or curved surface and straight or curved edges. Multiple sails of the same or varying size and shape may be slidably adjusted along a suspension line. One or more apertures may be formed in the sail to modify a speed or a direction of a moving strikeable object. An adjustable aperture permits adaptation to various strikeable objects having a variety of sizes and weights or to cause a strikeable object to move in a preferred direction or with a preferred rate of travel.