Sports Ball Rack with Adjustable Rows for Gravity-Assisted Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sports ball racks lack versatility and do not facilitate easy access to balls during use, as they do not allow for adjustable rows that can accommodate different heights or angles, making it inconvenient for users to retrieve balls without moving the rack.
Innovation Solution
A sports ball rack with adjustable rows featuring a push pin locking mechanism that allows the ends of the adjustable row to be moved along the side panels from a first position to a second position, enabling the row to be adjusted in height and angle, allowing gravity to pull balls towards the user, thus facilitating easy retrieval without moving the rack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ball racks use fixed rows, then the structure is simple and stable, but the versatility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ball rack transforms from a static fixed-structure to a dynamic adjustable-structure by introducing movable rows that can be repositioned along the side panels. The push pin locking mechanism enables the rows to be dynamically adjusted between different positions while maintaining stability when locked, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure is segmented into modular components: side panels with multiple positioning holes, movable rows, and push pin locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each row while maintaining the overall structural integrity, enabling versatility without excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the ball rack is made stationary, then it provides stable storage, but it does not facilitate easy access to balls during use
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable rows can be tilted forward by moving the support legs, creating a dynamic configuration that actively presents balls toward the user. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to move the entire rack or manually reach into deep storage positions, significantly reducing retrieval time while maintaining stable storage when in the neutral position.
Solution Approach 2:
The rows can be pre-adjusted to optimal positions before use, with balls naturally rolling forward on the tilted surface. This preliminary positioning action prepares the system for efficient ball retrieval, eliminating the need for reactive searching or manual handling during actual use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rows are made adjustable with push pin locking mechanism, then the versatility increases, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mechanism is segmented into simple, standardized components: side panels with pre-drilled positioning holes, rows with attachment points, and push pin locking elements. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, and assembly requires only simple insertion and locking actions, minimizing manufacturing complexity despite the enhanced adjustability.
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 adjustable mechanism allows the sports ball rack to be configured at an angle, enabling balls to roll towards the user, enhancing convenience during activities like free throws, as the balls are drawn towards the lower end, allowing for continuous use without manual retrieval from the rack.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustable mechanism is configured to move along the first side panel from a first position to a second position
Implementation Method 2
allowing gravity to pull balls towards the user
Data Source
AI summary
A ball rack including one or more rows; and a plurality of side panels, wherein ends of the one or more rows are connected to the plurality of side panels, wherein at least one row of the one or more rows is an adjustable row, and wherein at least one end of the adjustable row is adjustably connected to a first side panel of the plurality of side panels by an adjustable mechanism.