Court Ball Scoop Collector With One-Way Retaining Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting court balls, such as pickleballs and tennis balls, require manual picking up due to the dispersion of balls around the court, lacking efficient scooping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A scoop collector with a container featuring a ball retaining device, such as movable flaps or an elastic cord, to allow balls to enter but prevent them from exiting, combined with a lever for controlled release, and optionally a roller for propulsion, facilitating easy collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual picking up of balls is used, then no special device is needed, but collection efficiency is low and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is divided into distinct functional segments: the container for holding balls, the roller mechanism for propulsion, and the ball retaining device with flaps for one-way entry. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller mechanism is designed to be manually propelled by the user, and the ball retaining device automatically allows balls to enter the container while preventing them from leaving. The device serves itself by using simple mechanical components that require minimal intervention, combining ease of operation with improved collection efficiency.
2Reliability
If a ball retaining device is added to prevent balls from exiting, then ball containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex locking mechanism to prevent balls from exiting, the invention inverts the approach by using gravity and simple flap geometry. The flaps are positioned and angled so that balls can easily enter the container but naturally roll back if they attempt to exit, creating a passive one-way retention system that is both reliable and simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps act as intermediary elements between the open front of the container and the balls. These flaps mediate the interaction by allowing ball entry through their movable nature while blocking exit through their positioning and the container's geometry, providing reliable containment without requiring complex mechanical structures.
3Ease of operation
If an open front container is used for easy ball entry, then ball collection is facilitated, but ball retention becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ball retaining device uses dynamic flaps that can move freely to allow ball entry while automatically positioning themselves to prevent ball exit. The flaps respond to the motion and weight of balls, creating a dynamic system that adapts to ball movement and maintains retention reliability without compromising ease of operation.
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
Enables efficient and automated collection of court balls, reducing manual labor and enhancing convenience during play sessions.
Implementation Method 1
a roller that extends across the open front of the container and that is connected to wheels that movably support the container on an associated court surface such that rotation of said wheels rotates said roller whereby said roller engages associated balls on the associated court surface and propels the associated balls under the roller into the container
Implementation Method 2
the ball retaining device comprises an elastic cord extended across the open front of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A scoop collector for court balls includes a container with an open front into which balls can roll through the open front. A push handle is operably connected to the container. A ball retaining device allows the balls to roll into the container and prevents the balls from rolling out of the container. The ball retaining device can include a plurality of flappers, an elastic cord, and/or a roller that extend(s) across the open front of the container. The container can be translucent and can be removably supported on a frame. The push handle can be secured in a fixed position by a hook. Wings can be provided adjacent the open front of the container to funnel balls into the container.