Basketball Net Holder with Compressible Insert Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing basketball hoop net assemblies require ladders for assembly and disassembly, which are often unavailable, leading to unstable or missing nets and uncontrollable ball retrieval.

Innovation Solution

A net holder system using an insert ring with adjustable tension, allowing assembly and disassembly from the ground, featuring a combination of pins and a cross strut for dimensional stability, and a snap lock mechanism for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional basketball hoop with a closed ring tube is used, then the hoop structure is stable, but the net cannot be easily assembled or disassembled from the ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of net assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of net holder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring tube is divided into two parts: a fixed outer ring tube and a movable insert ring that can be compressed and inserted from the ground. This segmentation allows the net holder to be assembled and disassembled without ladders while maintaining structural stability when installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert ring is designed to be nested within the outer ring tube. The insert ring can be compressed to a smaller diameter for insertion, then expanded to its full size inside the ring tube to form the complete circular structure, enabling ground-based assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the insert ring is made with a circular cross-section, then the structure is simple, but the circumference cannot be reduced for insertion into the ring tube

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to reduce circumference for insertionVSAvoiddimensional stability of insert ring
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The insert ring is designed with dynamic properties, allowing its circumference to be changed from a larger size (for insertion) to a smaller size (for installation). The ring can be compressed along its circumference using pins and a cross strut, then maintained in its installed position through a snap lock mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The circumference parameter of the insert ring is made variable. By applying compressive forces through pins and a cross strut, the circumference can be reduced to allow insertion into the ring tube, then maintained at a stable size once installed through the snap lock engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the insert ring is held in place by friction alone, then the structure is simple, but the connection is not secure enough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of insert ring attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A snap lock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the insert ring and the outer ring tube. The snap lock engages with the insert ring to provide secure retention, while allowing for controlled expansion and installation. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable attachment without requiring complex fastening systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 easy and stable net installation and removal without ladders, maintaining hoop stability and reducing material usage by half.

Implementation Method 1

an insert ring (2), open in a section (4), is arranged in the ring tube (1), in which the circumference of which can be reduced by building up tension, so that it can be inserted into the inner circumference of the ring tube (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4162990B1Net holder and device for mounting the net holder
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 ALFONSO ALEXANDER
  • EP4162990B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4162990B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4162990B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a net holder for a basketball net (13) comprising a closed ring tube (1) and a net, by which a ball that has passed through the ring tube (1) is slowed down and directed towards the ground, an insert ring (2) open in a section (4) can be arranged circumferentially in the ring tube (1), in which the insert ring (2) can be reduced in its circumference by building up tension, so that it can be inserted in the inner circumference of the ring tube (1) and, when the tension is released, rests against the inner wall of the ring tube (1), wherein the open section (4) of the insert ring (2) is angled at its ends, so that two pins (5, 6) project from the plane of the insert ring (2) in the same direction, which in turn are connected to each other by a crossbar (7) with a fixed and a releasable bearing for the pins (5, 6), and the change in circumference of the insert ring (2) is achieved by a movement of the Cones (5,6) is reachable both towards and away from each other.