Basketball Backboard Targeting Apparatus for Bank Shot Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current training methods for basketball players to improve bank shot accuracy are inefficient, relying on trial and error to find the precise location on the backboard for successful shots, as existing targeting mechanisms fail to provide focused aiming points adaptable to different player positions on the court.

Innovation Solution

A static targeting apparatus for basketball, comprising a backboard, rim, mounting bracket, telescopic vertical member, and direction marker, which secures to the backboard and provides multiple focus points based on the player's position, ensuring the ball contacts the backboard for the highest chance of completing a bank shot, with adjustable components for various backboard types and player heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If trial and error practice is used to find the perfect location to aim for on the backboard, then players can eventually improve their bank shot accuracy, but the training process becomes inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebank shot accuracyVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and marking the optimal bank shot target locations on the backboard before the player needs to take a shot. The apparatus includes pre-positioned directional indicators and target markers that are set up in advance based on the player's position on the court, eliminating the need for trial-and-error during practice. This allows players to immediately focus on shooting accuracy rather than spending time figuring out where to aim.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If existing targeting mechanisms are used, then a focus point is provided, but they fail to adapt to different player positions on the court

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaiming guidanceVSAvoidadaptability to player position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a targeting system that can adapt its configuration based on the player's position on the court. The apparatus includes adjustable components such as movable directional indicators and repositionable target markers that can be adjusted according to the player's location. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same physical apparatus to provide accurate targeting guidance for players at different positions (e.g., left wing, right wing, top of the key) without requiring multiple different devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single fixed target location is provided on the backboard, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide focused aiming points for players at different positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetargeting apparatus structureVSAvoidmulti-position targeting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the backboard targeting area into multiple distinct target zones, each corresponding to a specific player position. The apparatus includes separate directional indicators and target markers for different positions (e.g., left-side targets, right-side targets, center targets). This segmentation allows the system to provide position-specific aiming guidance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each segment is a straightforward marker rather than a complex mechanical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If players practice from all over the court to improve accuracy, then they can develop shot precision, but the training method creates a trial and error style approach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshot accuracyVSAvoidtraining efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by providing immediate visual guidance through the targeting apparatus that shows players the exact target location on the backboard based on their position on the court. The directional indicators and target markers serve as real-time feedback, allowing players to immediately see whether their aim is correct without having to rely on trial-and-error or waiting for successful shots to occur. This feedback mechanism significantly improves training efficiency by eliminating unnecessary practice repetitions and focusing effort only on accurate shots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11117032B2Static targeting apparatus for improving accuracy and method
Publication Date: 2021.09.14 FALBO VINCENT
  • US11117032B2 patent drawing
  • US11117032B2 patent drawing
  • US11117032B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A static targeting apparatus for basketball, comprising; a mounting bracket, wherein the mounting bracket has a plurality of connection means to secure to a backboard, a vertical member having a first end and a second end, wherein the vertical member is attached to the mounting bracket, and a direction marker, wherein the direction marker is attached to the backboard, wherein, the direction marker is positioned relative to the hoop.