Basketball Return Machine with Segmented Base and Escapement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing basketball training systems lack efficient ball collection and return mechanisms, leading to wasted time and energy for players, and do not effectively manage user information or provide feedback, while also being limited in use across varying lighting environments.
Innovation Solution
A transportable basketball return machine with a target, collection and delivery assembly, and a transport device that includes wheels for mobility, a handle for manual transport, and a netted framework for collecting and funneling balls into a cylindrical escapement, which then projects them back to the player, allowing for practice shots without retrieval, and includes adjustable components for different player skills and lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a basketball return machine is made portable with wheels and base platforms, then ease of operation and transportability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return machine is divided into separate base platforms (first base platform for collector, second base platform for projector) that can be independently positioned and connected, enabling modular transport and setup while maintaining functional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The base platforms are designed to be movable with wheels and can be selectively connected or disconnected, allowing the system to transition between compact transport configuration and expanded operational configuration
2Productivity
If an escapement mechanism is used to retain and dispense basketballs, then productivity of ball return is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The escapement mechanism pre-retains multiple basketballs in a ready state within the collector, allowing continuous ball projection without requiring the player to wait for ball retrieval and return, thereby improving practice efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The escapement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the collector and projector, managing the transfer and timing of basketballs to ensure smooth continuous operation
3Reliability
If multiple armatures are used in the escapement to retain basketballs, then reliability of ball dispensing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple armatures are positioned at different locations within the escapement to provide distributed retention points for basketballs, ensuring reliable ball holding and controlled dispensing through localized engagement points
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a basketball return machine which may be utilized with either a goal unit or a stand-alone basketball goal. Either or both of the basketball return machine and goal unit may be fixed in location or transportable. The machine collects basketballs that are shot in the direction of a basketball goal and returns them to the user at one or more locations around the return machine's perimeter. The present disclosure eliminates the need for persons or other means being deployed to capture and return balls to persons practicing or playing a game of basketball. The present disclosure also contemplates features that permit its use in low level light or even unlighted environments. Lastly, the present disclosure contemplates a fully functional basketball system that is adaptable to varying user skill levels.