Ball Return Tee Assembly With Automatic String Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sports such as baseball, softball, and tennis require players to repeatedly hit an object, but retrieving the object after each hit is time-consuming and wastes practice time.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a base, tee assembly, and string system that allows the object to be hit and automatically returned to the tee assembly for re-hitting, featuring a lift assembly to adjust the tee assembly's length and a return system to retract the string, enabling efficient object retrieval and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual retrieval of the object is used, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but practice time is wasted due to time-consuming retrieval tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepractice efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus automatically retrieves and repositions the object using a return system with a string, spool, and motor mechanism, eliminating the need for manual retrieval by the user and thereby improving practice efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical retrieval process is replaced with an automated motor-driven return system that uses a string and spool mechanism to automatically fetch and return the object to the tee assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tee assembly length is fixed, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but the object cannot be positioned optimally for different hitting scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject positioning flexibilityVSAvoidtee assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tee assembly is designed with adjustable length capability, allowing it to dynamically change from a fixed structure to an adaptable one that can be modified based on different hitting scenarios and object sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tee assembly is divided into separable components that can be adjusted or reconfigured, enabling the length to be modified while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12472412B2Return apparatuses

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 LINDSLEY TIMOTHY JOHN

AI summary

An apparatus for supporting object such that the object can be hit by a hitting device from the apparatus includes a base configured to contact the ground and a tee assembly pivotally coupled to the base and configured to support the object. A string tethers the object to the apparatus, and a return system is activated to retract the string and thereby return the object to the tee assembly after the object is hit from the tee assembly. A lift assembly is coupled to the tee assembly, and the lift assembly is configured to change length of the tee assembly such that the ball is in a position to be hit from the tee assembly.