Cue Sports Training Device with Solenoid Ball Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional training devices for cue sports are cumbersome, difficult to set up, and inconsistent in positioning balls on the game table, often requiring manual force that leads to varying ball velocities and inaccurate placement, limiting their effectiveness and portability.
Innovation Solution
A training device with a base and pivotally attached triangular ramps that accommodate different ball sizes, featuring a ball release system with a loading pad and ball stopper for controlled ball deployment, allowing for consistent and accurate positioning of balls on the game table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to launch balls down a ramp, then balls can be positioned on the game table, but ball velocities vary and placement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pushing system with an electrical solenoid actuation system. The solenoid mechanically releases the ball from a predetermined position without requiring manual force, thereby eliminating variability in ball velocity and improving placement accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables itself to launch balls automatically through the solenoid mechanism without requiring external manual intervention for each ball launch. The system serves itself by using electrical actuation to consistently release balls from the same position with the same force.
2Reliability
If conventional training devices are designed with fixed structures, then they provide stable ball positioning, but they become cumbersome and difficult to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The training device is divided into separate modular components including the base unit with ramps, the solenoid actuation system, and the ball release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled, reducing overall setup complexity while maintaining reliable ball positioning through consistent modular integration.
3Measurement precision
If training devices use electrical components for ball release, then ball positioning accuracy improves, but device portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The training device incorporates a battery-powered solenoid system that provides precise electrical actuation while maintaining portability. The universal design allows the device to function as both a precision ball positioning system and a portable training aid, eliminating the trade-off between precision and portability through integrated power and control systems.
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 device enables easy setup and use with various ball sizes, ensuring consistent and accurate ball placement, improving player practice sessions by reducing manual force application and enhancing portability.
Implementation Method 1
the ball release system is electrically actuated by a solenoid
Implementation Method 2
launching balls down the ramps in a controlled manner
Data Source
AI summary
A training device and method of use for positioning balls on the playing surface of cue sport game tables such as billiards is provided herein, to assist players in making practice shots to enhance their playing skills and techniques. The training device includes a central base and a pair of triangularly shaped ramps. The central base includes a rectangular bottom surface, first and second pentagonal side walls extending perpendicularly from the rectangular bottom surface. The pair of triangularly shaped ramps rotatably coupled to the central base on opposite sides of the first and second pentagonal side walls Each ramp includes first and second ramp edges extending acutely from a corner distal the central base. The pair of triangularly shaped ramps are configured to rotate about the central base between a first configuration associated with a first launch location and a second configuration associated with a second launch location.