Ball Collector System with Motor-Driven Trough
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting stray sports balls, such as tennis balls, often require interruptions in play or the presence of an additional person, leading to inefficiencies and safety hazards due to the need for manual retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A ball collector system comprising a backdrop with anchors to secure it to surfaces, a trough to redirect balls, and a collector with lifts and channels to automatically collect and direct balls to a designated location, potentially powered by a motor-driven wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual ball collection methods are used (employees or players pausing to collect balls), then balls can be collected, but play is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ball collection system operates autonomously without requiring human intervention during play. The motor-driven wheel automatically propels balls through channels and returns them to the service area, allowing the system to service itself and eliminating the need for employees or players to pause and collect balls manually
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical ball collection (human hands picking up balls) with an automated mechanical system featuring a motor-driven wheel that propels balls through designated channels, substituting human labor with automated machinery to eliminate play interruptions
2Productivity
If manual ball collection is performed, then balls can be retrieved, but safety hazards exist due to players slipping on stray balls
Solution Approach 1:
The automated motor-driven ball propulsion system replaces manual ball handling, ensuring balls are systematically channeled and returned without being left on the playing surface, thereby eliminating the safety hazard of players slipping on stray balls while maintaining effective ball retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces channels as intermediary structures that guide and contain balls during their return to the service area, preventing balls from becoming stray hazards on the playing surface while ensuring systematic ball retrieval and return
3Productivity
If handheld ball collector systems are used by coaches or individuals, then balls can be collected, but an extra person is required which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The ball collection system is designed to operate independently without requiring coaches, employees, or other individuals to manually collect and return balls. The automated motor-driven mechanism performs the entire ball retrieval and return function, making the system convenient for solo players who can practice independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for human operators (coaches or individuals using handheld collectors) with an automated motor-driven system that performs ball collection and return functions autonomously, eliminating the requirement for extra personnel and enhancing convenience for solo practitioners
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 system allows for continuous play without interruptions, efficiently collects most balls struck within a court, and can be set up and operated by a single person, enhancing safety and convenience by minimizing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the lift includes a motor (and/or any other suitable actuator). As an example, in some cases, the motor powers a driver that is configured to propel the ball through the channel
Implementation Method 2
the trough is configured to form a depression (e.g., a groove, gutter, or other depression) that slopes toward a low point, thereby directing the ball to roll toward the low point
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a ball collector system. While the ball collector system can have any suitable component, in some cases it includes a trough, a backdrop that is configured to catch a ball and redirect it toward the trough, and/or a collector that is configured to collect the ball from the trough. In some cases, related methods include dampening a movement of the ball using the backdrop, changing a trajectory of the ball to direct it to the trough, moving the ball along the trough to a designated location, and/or collecting the ball from the trough using the collector. Other implementations are described.