Basketball Return Apparatus Rim Bracket Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing basketball return devices are cumbersome, difficult to install, and obstruct court space, failing to accommodate various backboard designs and interfering with garage access.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and extensible basketball return apparatus with a frame and netting that mounts directly to a rim support bracket, using a drop stand for easy installation and dismounting, and a ball return mechanism to direct shots back to the shooter, accommodating both fan-shaped and square backboards without requiring extensive installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ball return devices are secured to the backboard or stanchion, then the device can capture basketballs effectively, but the device becomes large and cumbersome to install or move
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a rim band that attaches to the hoop rim, a backboard mount that attaches to the backboard, and netting that connects these components. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and adjusted, making the overall device easier to install and move while maintaining ball capture effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The netting is designed to be flexible and adaptable rather than rigid, allowing it to conform to different backboard shapes (fan-shaped or square) and adjust to various installation positions. This dynamic design enables easy installation and reconfiguration without requiring precise pre-measurement or complex fastening procedures.
2Reliability
If installation personnel climb a ladder to secure the device, then the device can be mounted to the hoop, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rim band and backboard mount are designed with pre-positioned attachment points and intuitive alignment features that allow installers to quickly attach components without requiring precise measurement or complex fastening procedures. The netting can be attached from ground level, eliminating the need to climb ladders for the majority of the installation process.
3Reliability
If the device extends upward from the playing court, then the device can capture basketballs, but it obstructs a good deal of the court and negatively affects ingress and egress of automobiles
Solution Approach 1:
The device components are designed to nest together compactly: the rim band attaches to the existing hoop structure, the backboard mount attaches to the backboard surface, and the netting fills the space between these attachment points. This nested configuration minimizes the device's footprint on the court while maintaining effective ball capture, allowing better ingress and egress for automobiles in garage driveway settings.
Data Source
AI summary
A basketball return apparatus includes an L-shaped frame, a net, and a ball return mechanism. The frame has a back portion and a base portion. The back portion has an upper end adapted to mount on a rim support bracket of the basketball hoop and center and stabilize the frame with respect to the basketball hoop. The back portion has side members that connect to the upper end and extend generally vertically downward to connect to the base portion. The base portion defines an orifice through which shot basketballs can descend. The net is attached to the frame to form open funnel shaped enclosure with an open top end and an open bottom end. The enclosure directs basketballs downward therethrough to the base portion. The ball return mechanism is mounted to the frame below the orifice and net to direct the basketballs back to the shooter.