Collapsible Sports Net Frame With Nested Pole Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable net systems for sports like pickleball, tennis, and badminton are often heavy, large, and cumbersome, making them difficult to transport and set up on various surfaces and locations.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, compact, and lightweight net system with a frame, dividing net, and court expanders that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for storage in a small bag and expansion to various lengths, featuring multiple pole segments, a support beam, and a mesh net with adjustable tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If existing portable net systems are used, then the net system can be transported and set up, but the net system is heavy, large, and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The net system is divided into multiple pole segments that can be connected together. The frame consists of two predominantly vertical side poles, a support beam, and frame feet, all composed of connectable segments. This segmentation allows the net system to be broken down into smaller, lighter components that are easier to transport and assemble while maintaining structural integrity when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole segments are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with smaller diameter segments fitting inside larger diameter segments. This nesting configuration minimizes storage volume and makes the net system compact and portable, directly addressing the weight and size concerns of existing portable net systems.
2Volume of moving object
If existing portable net systems are used, then the net system can be set up, but the net system is large and takes up significant storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The pole segments nest within each other in a telescoping arrangement, with the support beam and side poles collapsing into a compact nested configuration. This nesting design reduces the storage volume to fit in a small bag or backpack while maintaining the structural dimensions needed for stability when expanded and assembled on a court surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of expanding outward from a central point, the pole segments are designed to collapse inward toward each other, with the ends of adjacent segments fitting into cavities or connectors. This inverted collapse approach allows the structure to compact efficiently while preserving the geometric integrity needed for stability during use.
3Weight of moving object
If the net system is made lightweight and compact, then portability is improved, but the structural integrity and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pole segments are constructed from composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, combining lightweight properties with structural integrity. This allows the frame to remain lightweight and portable while maintaining the strength necessary to support the net and withstand forces during play on various court surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
[The proposed invention consists of a dividing-net and a lightweight frame which can be rapidly and easily assembled and disassembled repeatedly with the use of multiple pole segments which are fully or partially connected when expanded and collapsed. The net system can be stored and carried in a compact configuration. This net system can be applied to the design of net systems for numerous sports including pickleball, tennis, badminton and other sports with similar net-system requirements including all where the net-system divides a court or any space into two pieces. The net system can come in variable lengths such as one which could divide a standard court or portion thereof, or a shorter length to create net systems that can collapse and fit in piece of luggage or even a backpack.