Backstop Netting Assembly with Pivot Frame for Ball Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball sports backstop systems lack the ability to automatically return errant balls to players in a controlled and efficient manner, often requiring manual retrieval and lacking adjustability to direct the ball's recoil.
Innovation Solution
A netting assembly coupled with a frame assembly that can be selectively adjusted to redirect errant balls back to the player, featuring pivot members, clamp mechanisms, and weights to stabilize and control the direction of the ball's return, allowing for repositioning without the need for ladders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed backstop net is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the ball cannot be redirected to specific locations and manual retrieval is required
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop net is mounted on a frame assembly with pivot members that allow the net to be dynamically repositioned. The frame includes adjustable arms that can be rotated to different angles, enabling the net to redirect balls to various locations around the backboard rather than being fixed in one position.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly is divided into multiple segments including central members, arm members, and pivot members that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned separately to achieve the desired ball redirection path while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Productivity
If the backstop net is made adjustable to redirect balls, then practice efficiency improves, but the device becomes more complex and harder to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly includes pre-configured pivot members and connection points that are prepared during manufacturing. The arm members are pre-attached to the central members with pivot connections, so that during assembly one only needs to attach the net and make minor adjustments rather than assembling the entire structure from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly design with universal pivot members and connection mechanisms can be adapted for different backboard sizes and configurations. The same basic frame structure works with various basketball backboards, reducing the need for custom assembly procedures for different applications.
3Area of stationary object
If the netting assembly is positioned high to cover the backboard, then ball coverage is improved, but access for adjustment requires ladders and is unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly uses pivot members that allow the arm members to be rotated and repositioned from ground level. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the net to be positioned high to cover the entire backboard area while allowing safe ground-level access for making adjustments during practice sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly utilizes vertical and horizontal pivot movements to position the net in three-dimensional space. The arm members can rotate horizontally to extend the net coverage area while maintaining vertical positioning that is accessible from the ground, eliminating the need for ladders.
4Stability of the object's composition
If weights are added to stabilize the backstop, then the netting direction control is improved, but the device becomes heavier and more difficult to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
Weights are attached to the lower portions of the arm members to counterbalance the upper portions, creating a self-balancing system. This allows the frame assembly to maintain stable positioning of the netting while minimizing the overall weight and effort required for repositioning through the pivot mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A back stop device suitable for coupling to a backboard assembly in a sporting activity is disclosed. The device includes a central member. The central member couples to one or more clamps which couple to the backboard assembly. The central member may be coupled to a portion of one or more pivot members. One or more arm members may be coupled to a portion of each of the pivot members. The arm members may be selectively repositionable when used in conjunction with the pivot members. One or more netting members may be coupled to a portion of at least one of the central member and one or more of the arm members or a portion of the backboard assembly. The netting members may be configured to deflect a ball in a direction determined by the position of the members with weights coupled to a bottom portion of the netting members.