Tool-Free Adjustable Target Bracket for Sports Goals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sports training devices for goals such as soccer, lacrosse, and hockey lack adjustable and tool-free mounting systems that can securely attach targets to goal posts and crossbars, limiting their versatility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable target system featuring a frame with tool-free bracket members, including female and male opposed members with arcuate portions and a protrusion system, allowing for secure attachment to goal posts and crossbars without the need for tools, enabling easy adjustment and repositioning of targets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional clamps with nuts and bolts are used to attach training devices to goal posts, then secure attachment is achieved, but tool-free operation and ease of adjustment are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool-free operationVSAvoidsecure attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional nut-and-bolt mechanical fastening system with a cam-actuated clamping mechanism. The cam lever (element 40) converts rotational motion into linear clamping force, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and tools while maintaining secure attachment through friction and mechanical pressure against the goal post.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket system enables self-service installation and adjustment by the end user without requiring external tools or specialized knowledge. The cam mechanism allows a single person to quickly attach or adjust the bracket by simply operating the lever, making the system self-sufficient and easy to maintain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed target positions are used on goals, then structural simplicity is maintained, but training versatility and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget position adjustmentVSAvoidbracket system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket system is divided into separable components including the clamp assembly, mounting bracket, and adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows the target to be independently positioned at various locations while keeping the base mounting system relatively simple and reusable across different goal configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities allowing the target position to be changed during use. The cam mechanism enables quick repositioning of the bracket along the goal post, transforming a static mounting system into a dynamic, adaptable configuration that responds to varying training requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11213731B1Adjustable target system

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 ANDERSON JOSEPH M

AI summary

An adjustable target system for use on a goal having a first post, a second post, and a crossbar. The adjustable target system includes a frame and a bracket configured and arranged for adjustably attaching the frame to one of the first post, second post, and crossbar. The bracket is configured and arranged for removably attaching to one of the first post, second post and crossbar without the use of tools.