Basketball Return Apparatus Track Extender Deflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing basketball training devices are limited by their inability to be easily mounted and demounted on conventional backboards of varying thickness, obstruct the hoop and net, and fail to deliver the ball efficiently to different locations on the court, disrupting shooting rhythm and requiring external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A modular basketball retriever apparatus with a trough assembly and extender system that can be adjusted to fit various backboard thicknesses, allows clear access to the hoop, and delivers the ball via a track system for efficient bounce return to players at different locations, including left and right sides, without the need for external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a power-operated ball retrieval apparatus is used, then ball return efficiency is improved, but device complexity and requirement for external power supply increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ball retrieval apparatus uses the kinetic energy of the incoming ball itself to power the retrieval mechanism. The ball's momentum drives the pulley system, eliminating the need for external power sources while maintaining efficient ball return functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex power-operated mechanical systems with a simpler gravity and momentum-based mechanism. The ball's natural trajectory and energy are harnessed to drive the retrieval process through a pulley and cord system, reducing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If the apparatus is mounted on the backboard, then ball retrieval functionality is improved, but the hoop and net become obscured and the backboard integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ball retrieval apparatus is extracted from the backboard structure and repositioned to hang from the hoop assembly itself. This separation allows the apparatus to function independently without compromising backboard integrity or excessively obscuring the hoop and net.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is positioned in a spatial arrangement that minimizes obstruction. By hanging from the hoop and extending downward, the apparatus utilizes vertical space rather than occupying the horizontal viewing area of the hoop, reducing visual obstruction while maintaining functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the apparatus structure is made rigid for stability, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability to different backboard thicknesses decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism incorporates adjustable and flexible elements that allow the apparatus to adapt to various backboard thicknesses while maintaining structural stability. The dynamic adjustment capability enables the same apparatus to securely mount on different backboard configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with a universal mounting system that can accommodate multiple backboard thicknesses and configurations. This multi-functional mounting capability allows a single apparatus design to serve various installation scenarios without compromising structural integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the ball delivery range is extended to reach farther positions, then versatility is improved, but the ball delivery speed and height become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus includes an adjustable mechanism that pre-sets the ball delivery parameters based on the desired delivery location. By adjusting the apparatus configuration before ball retrieval, consistent delivery speed and height are maintained across different delivery ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus allows adjustment of delivery parameters such as release height and angle to compensate for variations in delivery distance. By changing these parameters, the apparatus maintains reliable and consistent ball delivery characteristics regardless of the target position on the court.
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 efficient, adaptable, and power-independent ball retrieval that maintains a clear shooting environment, allowing players to practice from various positions with minimal disruption to their shooting rhythm and facilitates easy assembly, disassembly, and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end of the trough assembly for redepositing the ball rolling down the rails
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for a foldable, portable, apparatus for use as an operant conditioning basketball shooting practice aid by retrieving and returning shots at the hoop. The apparatus is comprised of a dismountable trough assembly depending from crossbar slots of a support assembly frame. The trough assembly includes ball collection panels each mounted on separated ball runway tubes or rails with the legs of a track extender-deflector inserted into the tubes. The deflectors are adapted to be configured for quick interchangeability from one configuration to another to deliver the ball to various locations to center or side court.