Disc Golf Target With Movable Chains for Consistent Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disc golf targets suffer from inconsistent disc capture due to the disc bouncing off the chains, particularly on one side, and are direction-dependent, leading to uneven performance.
Innovation Solution
The disc golf target features chains with varying connection points to connecting parts, allowing outer chains to move closer to the pole and inner chains to follow different paths, enhancing energy absorption and reducing bounce-off, with connecting parts formed from bent rod-like pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chains are arranged at fixed distances from the pole, then the target structure is simple and stable, but the disc bounce-off increases and capture consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the chain connection points movable rather than fixed. The outer chains are connected to the upper assembly at points that can move along the chains when struck by a disc, allowing the connection points to dynamically adjust their position. This dynamic adjustment enables the chains to absorb disc momentum more effectively and reduces bounce-off, improving capture consistency without requiring complex additional structures.
2Reliability
If chains are positioned at multiple distances from the pole, then disc capture area improves, but the target becomes direction-dependent with strong and weak sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the movable connection points of outer chains at different distances from the pole, creating an asymmetric chain arrangement. This asymmetric configuration ensures that chains are optimally positioned to intercept discs regardless of the direction of approach. The varying distances and movable connections create uniform capture performance from all directions, eliminating the strong side/weak side problem while maintaining expanded capture area.
3Loss of energy
If chains have limited movement distance, then the target structure remains compact, but energy absorption capability is insufficient causing increased disc bounce-off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables chains to dynamically extend their movement distance when struck by a disc. The outer chains are connected in a way that allows them to move significantly toward the pole upon impact, converting disc kinetic energy into chain movement. This dynamic extension of movement distance provides sufficient energy absorption capability to prevent bounce-off, while the chains return to their original positions after each impact, maintaining a compact overall structure.
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 design significantly improves disc capture by absorbing more energy, minimizing bounce-off, and providing consistent performance regardless of disc direction, thus enhancing the target's capturing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the movement energy of the disc, including both the kinetic energy and the rotation energy of the disc, is absorbed much more effective by the chains of the target
Implementation Method 2
the chains stop the motion and momentum of the disc so that it falls in the disc-receiving basket
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Disc golf target (1) comprising a basket (3) and an upper assembly (4) connected with a substantially vertical pole (2), wherein the upper assembly comprises a plurality of chains (5a, 5b) located around the pole and connected from their upper ends to connecting parts (6a, 6b) extending outwards from the pole, wherein the connection points of the chains are at least at two different distances away from the pole, and wherein at least some of the connections of the upper ends of the outer chains to the connecting parts are configured to allow the upper ends of the chains to move along the connecting parts closer to the pole when hit with a disc, and wherein the movement distance of the upper ends of the outer chains (5a) along the connecting parts (6a) is configured to extend closer to the pole (2) than the outmost distance of the of the upper ends of the inner chains (5b) from the pole