Basketball Aim Training Retainer Ring with Visual Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing youth sports training devices, such as miniature basketball rims, do not provide guidance for proper aim in basketball and other sports, leading children to aim directly at the rim, resulting in rebounds rather than successful baskets.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a retainer ring and targets secured to a basketball rim, where the targets are positioned above the rim to teach children to aim correctly, with adjustable and configurable designs for various sports, including soccer and baseball, and optional features like interactive lighting and smartphone app integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If children use traditional basketball rims without aim indicators, then the device structure remains simple, but shooting accuracy deteriorates because children aim directly at the rim resulting in rebounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retainer ring as an intermediary component that attaches to the basketball rim and provides mounting positions for aim indicators. This mediator allows the integration of aim guidance features without fundamentally redesigning the basketball rim structure, thus improving shooting accuracy while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual copies or representations (targets, indicators, markers) positioned on the retainer ring to represent the optimal aim point. These visual copies guide children to aim at the correct location above the rim, translating the complex concept of proper shooting angle into simple visual cues that improve accuracy without complicating the physical device.
2Loss of information
If aim indicators are added to basketball rims, then children can learn proper aim, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aim guidance function from the main basketball rim structure by using a separate retainer ring component. This segmentation allows the aim indicators to be added as optional accessories rather than integral parts, providing necessary aim guidance information while keeping the core rim structure simple and avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer ring serves multiple functions: it attaches to the basketball rim, provides structural support for aim indicators, and can potentially accommodate various types of targets or markers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby providing comprehensive aim guidance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the retainer ring is designed to fit inside the rim, then installation is simplified, but the target positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring incorporates specific local features such as engagement ribs or clips at predetermined positions that ensure accurate positioning when installed inside the rim. These localized precision features at critical points maintain target positioning accuracy while allowing the overall installation process to remain simple and tool-free.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for assisting children in learning and improving upon aim in basketball and other sports. The system is adapted for use with a basketball rim secured to a post or a mount, the basketball rim having a recessed portion. The system includes a retainer ring for insertion within or securing to the recess in the basketball rim; and one or more targets secured to the retainer ring, each target comprising a head portion connected to a stem. The target may be a traditional bullseye, a cartoon character, a letter, a number, among many other examples. In use, a child aims for the target, which is positioned just above the basketball rim, as opposed to the rim itself. In so doing, the child positions the basketball for a successful basket and not a rebound off the rim. The system also is configurable for other youth sports, including soccer and baseball as examples.