Boxxyball Elevated Box Net for Accessible Catch-and-Throw Play
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional volleyball games require significant strength, skill, and coordination, discouraging participation from individuals who lack these qualities, limiting the inclusivity of the sport.
Innovation Solution
A catch-and-throw ball game with an elevated flat surface resembling a volleyball net featuring three rows of boxes, each 12 inches×12 inches, allowing players to throw and catch a 5 inches diameter ball, which can be adjusted in size and height to accommodate various skill levels, and is lightweight and easy to transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional volleyball is played with a standard net and ball, then the game maintains traditional competitive intensity, but it requires significant strength, skill, and coordination which limits participation to a narrow range of players
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key parameters of the volleyball system: the net holes are enlarged to 12x12 inches (compared to traditional small mesh), the ball size is reduced to 5 inches diameter, and the net height is adjustable. These parameter changes reduce the physical strength and coordination required while maintaining the essential gameplay mechanics, thereby expanding accessibility to players of varying skill levels and physical capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The net is segmented into three rows of ten boxes (holes) rather than a continuous mesh. This segmentation creates discrete targets that are easier to aim for and reduces the complexity of ball control required, making the game more accessible to beginners and those with limited coordination while preserving the competitive element of accurate throwing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the elevated flat surface has three rows of ten boxes with 12 inches×12 inches holes and a 5 inches diameter ball, then the game becomes accessible to broader range of players, but the apparatus becomes more complex compared to traditional volleyball
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated flat surface with three rows of ten boxes serves multiple functions: it acts as the net structure, provides targeted holes for ball passage, and creates defined playing zones. This multi-functional design achieves inclusivity for different skill levels without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same structural elements serve several purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The net height is made adjustable, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different player ages, abilities, and skill levels. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a single apparatus to serve multiple player groups, reducing the need for multiple specialized structures and thereby managing complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the game apparatus is made lightweight and easy to transport, then it becomes more accessible for recreational use, but it may reduce the stability and durability of the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into modular components including the elevated flat surface with boxes, support legs, and crossbars that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables lightweight construction that is simple to transport and store, while the modular design allows for stable assembly through standardized connection points, balancing portability with structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated flat surface appears to use a lightweight framework or mesh structure that provides sufficient rigidity for gameplay while minimizing weight. This design allows the net to maintain its shape and stability during play without requiring heavy materials, achieving a balance between transportability and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball game is submitted. The ball game has an elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyball net, but where there are three rows of ten boxes. Each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches×12 inches, and the game ball is around 5 inches in diameter. A user stands on either side of the elevated, flat surface and may throw the ball through one of the holes (boxes) in the elevated, flat surface. Another user stands on the opposite side of the elevated, flat surface and may catch the ball and return it in the same way. The height of the elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyball net, the number, and dimensions of the holes (boxes), and the size of the game ball may be changed/adjusted. However, the holes (boxes) in the net are at least 50% larger than the diameter of the game ball, e.g., in another embodiment, there are three rows of eight boxes, where each hole (box) in the net is 14 inches×14 inches, and the game ball is around 6 inches in diameter.