Aerodynamic Sail for Ball Speed Control and Safe Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for modifying the travel of strikeable objects in sports, such as balls, often face limitations in safety, portability, ease of setup, and suitability for indoor use, with some returning objects at high speeds that can be intimidating or unsafe for novice players, and others not effectively controlling the direction of travel.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a strikeable object coupled to a sail with adjustable aerodynamic resistance, which reduces the speed and modifies the path of the object after being struck or thrown, using a suspension line and external anchor for control, allowing for safe and controlled return of the object to its initial position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a net or cage is used to capture the object, then the object can be retrieved, but the device is not portable and difficult to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of object capture from complex net/cage structures and implements it through a simple sail-based aerodynamic braking system. The sail creates resistance to slow and redirect the object without requiring extensive netting or caging structures, thereby improving portability and ease of setup while maintaining reliable object retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical capture systems (nets and cages that physically intercept and hold objects) with an aerodynamic system using a sail to create air resistance. This substitution allows the object to be gently slowed and redirected through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical entanglement, enabling a more portable and easily deployed device.
2Speed
If air holes are added to reduce speed, then the object slows down, but the direction of travel is not modified and retrieval becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sail is designed with asymmetric geometry where the leeward side (facing the oncoming air flow) is larger than the windward side. This asymmetric configuration creates a netting effect that not only reduces speed through aerodynamic resistance but also systematically redirects the object's path. The larger leeward side generates greater drag and deflects the object toward the player, simultaneously achieving speed reduction and directional control for easy retrieval.
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 high and intimidating for novice players
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful high-speed return into a beneficial controlled descent by using the sail's aerodynamic braking effect. Instead of the elastic tether's sudden high-speed rebound, the sail gradually dissipates kinetic energy through air resistance, converting the object's forward momentum into controlled vertical and horizontal movement that returns the object to the player at a safe, manageable speed.
4Speed
If the sail area is increased to provide more aerodynamic resistance, then the object slows down more effectively, but the device becomes less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the sail's geometric parameters (area, shape, orientation) to achieve effective aerodynamic resistance with minimal material. By carefully selecting the sail's dimensions and configuration, the system generates sufficient braking force to control object speed while keeping the overall device lightweight and portable. The sail's geometry is tuned to maximize drag coefficient relative to its size, ensuring effective speed control without excessive surface area that would increase weight and reduce portability.
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 provides a safe, portable, and easily set-up solution for modifying the travel of strikeable objects, ensuring controlled return and adaptability for various sizes and weights, enhancing player safety and practice efficiency.
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. Devices built in accordance with the invention are particularly suited for use with strikeable objects which are various kinds of balls. A separation distance between the strikeable object and the sail is adjustable. A separation distance between the strikeable object and a surface upon which a player stands may also be adjustable. In some embodiments, the strikeable object may be replaced with a strikeable object having a different size or weight. The shape of the sail is triangular, quadrilateral, or other shapes and may be symmetric or asymmetric. The sail may alternatively be formed with a flat or curved surface and straight or curved edges. One or more apertures may be formed in the sail to modify a speed or a direction of a moving strikeable object. Some embodiments have at least one adjustable aperture to permit 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.