Ball Trainer Launcher Dropper Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current training instruments for animals, such as dogs, lack a single device capable of both launching and dropping balls, requiring separate devices and complex battery management, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A ball trainer with integrated launcher and dropper functions in a single housing, utilizing a control module and communication module for wireless or wired signal control, and a drive unit with a conical spring for elastic launching, allowing for variable storage and reduced size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate ball launcher and ball dropper devices are used, then each device can perform its specific function, but the device complexity and number of batteries to manage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining function versatilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ball launcher and ball dropper functions into a single integrated device. The housing contains both a dropper unit with a holder for dropping balls and a launcher unit with a launching mechanism, allowing one device to perform multiple training functions that previously required separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drop balls from a holder and launch balls using a spring-based mechanism. The control module selectively activates either the dropper unit or launcher unit based on the desired training mode, providing universal functionality for different animal training scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple training instruments are used, then comprehensive training functions are available, but the maintenance burden and battery management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the launcher and dropper into one device with a shared power supply and control system, the patent reduces the number of batteries from four (two for launcher, two for dropper) to two, significantly simplifying battery management and maintenance while maintaining comprehensive training capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single device with both functions is created, then device complexity is reduced, but the housing size and space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidhousing volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The dropper unit is positioned within the housing such that the holder is nested in the dropper unit, and the launcher unit is arranged adjacent to it. This nested and compact arrangement allows both functional units to coexist in a single housing without excessive volume increase, optimizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of operation

If radio remote control operation is used, then wireless control is achieved, but the number of batteries and power supply units increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol convenienceVSAvoidpower supply units

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the radio remote control receiver and communication module into the single housing, sharing the power supply with the launcher and dropper units. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies for remote controllers, reducing the total battery count while maintaining wireless control convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhanced training efficiency with a single device that can launch and drop balls, minimizing space and manufacturing costs, while reducing vibration and improving portability and maintenance simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

a launcher spring that is disposed below the receiving stand and transmits an elastic force based on compression to the receiving stand between the receiving stand and the launcher holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10631522B2Ball trainer with launcher function and dropper function and training box

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 DOGTRA

AI summary

A ball trainer with a launcher function and a dropper function is provided. The ball trainer includes: a dropper unit that is disposed on one side in a housing and is formed in a holder shape capable of dropping a ball downward, the dropper unit including a storage space with a variable length in which two or more balls are stored; a launcher unit that is disposed on the other side in the housing and launches a ball which is received from outside; a control module that selectively controls the dropper unit and the launcher unit depending on an operation mode; and a communication module that is connected to the control module and transmits a signal received from the outside in a wireless or wired manner.