Basketball Training Device with Hyperbolic Paraboloid Return Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current training devices for basketball and similar sports fail to provide an easy-to-use, accurate method for players to practice and perfect their shots, especially considering the changes in body size and proportions during growth, which affect the physics of the motion, leading to difficulties in targeting and adjusting the angle of entry for successful shots.
Innovation Solution
A training device comprising a basketball goal with a hoop target and a floor target, along with a top aiming indicia, configured to provide optimized training by allowing players to shoot towards the top aiming indicia, with the ball bouncing back to the center indicator and further bouncing back to the player, while incorporating a scoring system to record successful shots and establish personal benchmarks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional training devices are used, then players can practice shooting, but the devices fail to provide accurate feedback on what changes to make to correct errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects the ball's position and the player's shot accuracy, providing immediate information about performance. The system compares actual shot results against target criteria and communicates deviations to the player, enabling corrective action without requiring complex manual measurement tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system that mediates between the player's shooting action and the evaluation process. The sensor acts as a neutral mediator that objectively measures ball position, trajectory, and shot accuracy, translating physical motion into actionable feedback data without requiring complex manual assessment procedures.
2Ease of operation
If return devices are used, then players receive ball return, but the devices are bulky, large, and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of ball return from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a simplified sensor-based approach. Instead of using bulky mechanical return devices, the system uses sensors to detect ball position and communicates performance data, eliminating the need for complex mechanical ball return mechanisms while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical ball return systems with an information-based system. Rather than using mechanical devices to physically return and position balls, the system uses sensors to detect ball position and provides feedback information, substituting mechanical complexity with information processing that is computationally simple and easily implemented.
3Measurement precision
If targets are used, then players can aim, but the targets fail to accurately define a finite point of aim and angles of launch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise mechanical targets with an information-based measurement system. Instead of relying on physical targets that fail to define precise aim points, the system uses sensors to accurately detect ball position, trajectory, and launch angles, providing precise measurement data that enables accurate aiming instruction without requiring complex mechanical target structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback that defines precise aim points and launch angles by comparing actual ball trajectory against target criteria. The sensor system continuously monitors ball position and provides feedback on deviation from the optimal trajectory, enabling players to achieve precise aiming by adjusting their shots based on real-time information about their performance relative to the target.
4Measurement precision
If training devices are used, then players can practice, but the devices fail to define an angle of entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical angle measurement systems with an information-based approach using sensors to detect ball trajectory and calculate launch angles. This substitution provides precise angle measurement without requiring complex mechanical instruments, as the sensor system processes ball position data computationally to determine accurate launch angle information for training feedback.
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
The training device enables players to practice and improve their shooting technique by providing immediate feedback and scoring, helping to establish a consistent stance and angle of entry, maximizing the opportunity to center the ball within the hoop with minimal rim contact, thus addressing the challenges of growth-related changes in player size and motion physics.
Implementation Method 1
the ball bouncing back to the center indicator and further bouncing back to the player
Data Source
AI summary
A training device for thrown or pitched balls at a target is disclosed, especially useful for basketball training, in which a hyperbolic paraboloid surface deflects the approaching ball at a known angle in a manner in which the returned ball will strike a mat. The mat includes indicia which can be diagnostically useful in determining the proper correction to the throw or pitch.