Clamshell Basketball System With Foldable Backboard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable basketball systems are inconvenient to transport due to their unwieldy nature and bulky components, which also increase shipping costs.
Innovation Solution
A portable basketball system with a clamshell configuration that includes a base with a removable cover and a foldable backboard, allowing components to be stored efficiently within the base, reducing dimensions for easy transportation and packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable basketball systems are designed with standard components (base, backboard, goal, support post), then the system can be assembled and used, but the system becomes unwieldy and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The basketball system is divided into discrete components (base, backboard, goal, support post, support elements) that can be independently handled and reconfigured. The base itself is segmented into a clamshell configuration with removable cover, allowing components to be accessed and stored systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are nested within the base structure - the backboard, goal, support post, and support elements are all contained within the clamshell base. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a single transport container, eliminating the unwieldy nature of separate pieces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all components are included in the portable system, then the system is complete and functional, but the packaging size and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamshell base serves multiple functions: it acts as the foundation for the basketball system, provides structural support, and serves as the storage container for all components during transport. The removable cover provides additional functionality for accessing and protecting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base and storage container are merged into a single integrated structure. All components (backboard, goal, support post, support elements) are combined within the same clamshell container, eliminating the need for separate packaging for each component and reducing overall shipping volume.
3Strength
If the backboard is made rigid for gameplay, then it provides proper basketball functionality, but it cannot be folded or compressed for compact storage
Solution Approach 1:
The backboard transitions between two states: a rigid, stable configuration during gameplay that provides proper basketball functionality, and a folded, compact configuration during storage that reduces volume. The support elements are removably attachable, allowing the backboard to be dynamically reconfigured from a rigid playing surface to a compact stored state.
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 easy and cost-effective transportation of all system components in a single container, minimizing packaging needs and reducing shipping costs.
Implementation Method 1
a blow-molded plastic structure that includes living hinges which may enable the backboard to be folded so as to reduce its size in at least one dimension
Data Source
AI summary
One example of a basketball system includes a goal, a backboard to which the goal is attachable, a support structure that is connectible to the backboard, legs that are attachable to the support structure, and a base to which the legs are attachable, and the base is sized and configured to completely enclose the goal, the backboard, the support structure, and the legs. The backboard is configured to fold when not in use.