Disc Catching Device With Dynamic Momentum Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disc golf catching devices often struggle to efficiently absorb the momentum of thrown discs, leading to missed catches and increased scores, as existing designs lack effective mechanisms to gradually absorb the disc's momentum and guide it into the basket.
Innovation Solution
The device features an umbrella-like canopy structure with a disc engaging assembly comprising chains or ropes that absorb momentum through sliding inner assemblies and a basket structure with pivoting arms, allowing the disc to fall into the basket by gradually dissipating its kinetic energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing disc catching devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the momentum absorption capability is insufficient leading to missed catches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the catching device movable rather than fixed. The disc catching device is allowed to move backward when a disc is thrown toward it, enabling gradual momentum absorption. This dynamic movement transforms a static structure into an adaptive system that can respond to incoming disc force, thereby improving catch reliability without requiring overly complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the catching device into multiple functional components: a movable catching device body, a pole assembly with pivot joint, and a base assembly with wheels. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the body absorbs momentum, the pole provides pivoting motion, and the base enables mobility - thereby achieving reliable momentum absorption through coordinated simple parts rather than a single complex structure.
2Loss of energy
If rigid catching structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the disc momentum cannot be gradually absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid structures with dynamic, movable components. The catching device body can move backward on the base assembly, and the pole assembly can pivot at the joint. These dynamic elements enable gradual kinetic energy dissipation through motion rather than requiring complex energy-absorbing materials or mechanisms, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving effective energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements between the rigid components - specifically the wheels on the base assembly and the pivot joint in the pole assembly. These intermediaries facilitate smooth motion and energy transfer, allowing the disc's kinetic energy to be gradually absorbed through controlled movement rather than direct rigid impact, thereby achieving energy dissipation without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If the disc engaging assembly is fixed, then the structure is stable, but the disc cannot be guided into the basket effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed disc engaging assembly into a dynamic system where the entire catching device body can move backward and the pole assembly can pivot. This dynamic configuration allows the assembly to actively guide incoming discs into the basket by moving with the disc's momentum rather than resisting it rigidly, improving ease of operation while maintaining structural integrity through controlled motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the disc engaging assembly to guide discs into the basket through its own inherent mobility rather than requiring external control mechanisms. The movable base assembly and pivoting pole automatically respond to incoming disc force, allowing the structure to self-adjust and self-guide the disc into the basket, thereby improving operational ease without adding complex control systems that would compromise structural stability.
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
This design enhances the likelihood of successful catches by gradually absorbing the disc's momentum, facilitating its entry into the basket, thereby reducing scores and improving gameplay experience.
Implementation Method 1
chains or ropes that absorb momentum through sliding inner assemblies
Implementation Method 2
gradually dissipating its kinetic energy
Implementation Method 3
basket structure with pivoting arms, allowing the disc to fall into the basket by gradually dissipating its kinetic energy
Implementation Method 4
allowing the disc to fall into the basket
Data Source
AI summary
A disc catching device for catching a thrown disc, having a canopy structure, a basket structure, an assembly coupled to the canopy structure and the basket structure, and a pole to which the canopy structure and the basket structure may be attached. The assembly may engage a thrown disc, and for some embodiments, may comprise chains. When the disc catching device is deployed in its upright position for the sport of disc golf, the assembly hangs from the canopy structure, and is coupled to a ring that surrounds the pole. The basket structure comprises a set of basket arms, and when the disc catching device is deployed upright, the ring hangs below the set of basket arms. For some embodiments, the canopy structure and the basket structure may be foldable, like an umbrella. For some embodiments, the basket arms may be basket support arms, where each basket support arm supports a basket arm. Other embodiments are described and claimed.