Agility Grid With Pliable Intersections For Rapid Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agility training methods often require multiple components and lengthy setup times, limiting the efficiency of drills that improve starting speed and agility in various directions.

Innovation Solution

A 3×3 exercise grid with firm rods and pliable intersections, allowing for rapid setup and deployment, comprising four running strips and four crossing strips that form a series of squares for athletes to practice movements in all directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for agility training drills, then versatility of training patterns is improved, but setup time and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining pattern versatilityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple training patterns into a single integrated grid structure where runners can practice multiple directions (forward, backward, lateral movements) and various footwork patterns simultaneously. The grid integrates crossing strips, running strips, and pivot points into one unified device, eliminating the need to set up separate components for different drill types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grid is designed as a universal training device that can accommodate numerous different agility drills and training patterns. The same grid structure supports forward sprints, backward movements, lateral shuffles, and rotational exercises, making it a multi-functional tool that replaces multiple specialized equipment pieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If exercise equipment is made modular with multiple components, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrill configuration flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges what would traditionally be separate training equipment into a single grid structure. The grid combines marking lines, boundary definitions, and training zone indicators into one integrated system, reducing the number of separate components athletes and coaches must handle and assemble.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If traditional exercise ladders are used, then basic agility training is achieved, but training efficiency and productivity are limited due to setup requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining efficiencyVSAvoidsetup and takedown time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The grid is designed to be pre-configured with all necessary training patterns and markings integrated into the structure. Coaches and athletes can immediately begin training drills without needing to assemble or configure separate components, as the grid provides ready-to-use training zones and pathways for various agility exercises.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8257817B2Exercise grid

Publication Date: 2012.09.04 JACOB DAVID JOSEPH

AI summary

An exercise grid includes four running strips and four crossing strips. Each running strip connects with each crossing strip at an intersection to form a grid. The running and crossing strips comprise firm rods positioned between pliable intersections. The firm rods positioned between pliable intersections facilitates folding of the grid at the intersections for transport. Placement of the grid on a playing surface allows one to perform various drills using the spaces between the running and crossing strips.