Flexible Stick Grip Trainer for Adjustable Rotation and Shooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stick training devices for sports like hockey and lacrosse are limited in their versatility, as they either fail to accommodate sticks of varying diameters or cannot be used for both stick handling and shooting drills due to their rigid structure, and they do not allow for adjustable grip simulation during different training activities.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, compressible training device that can be coiled and adjusted between a loose and fixed position, allowing for universal fit on different stick diameters and enabling both stick handling and shooting drills by simulating a loose hand grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid tubular structure is used to simulate a loose hand grip, then the rotational movement during stick handling is enabled, but the device cannot be used for shooting drills requiring fixed grip and cannot accommodate sticks with varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The training device employs a flexible band instead of a rigid tubular structure, allowing the band to dynamically adapt between loose and fixed states. This dynamic flexibility enables the same device to accommodate both stick handling drills requiring rotation and shooting drills requiring fixed grip, while also fitting sticks of varying diameters through elastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical parameters (flexibility, diameter, rigidity) based on the training activity. The flexible band can be adjusted to different tightness levels and can elastically deform to match different stick diameters, transforming from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptable one that modifies its properties according to operational requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed diameter tubular structure is used, then the structure is simple and rigid, but it cannot accommodate sticks with varying diameters or additional grip materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid tubular structure with a flexible band that can elastically deform to accommodate sticks of various diameters. The flexible material allows the band to stretch over grip tape or knobs and conform to different stick profiles, providing universal fit without compromising ease of operation through proper material selection and design
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid structure is used to prevent rotation during shooting drills, then the fixed grip is achieved, but the device cannot enable rotation during stick handling drills
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible band provides dynamic adaptability where the same elastic structure can function in both loose and fixed states depending on how it is applied and tensioned. This eliminates the need for separate rigid structures for different drill types, as the flexible band's elastic properties allow it to simulate both loose grip conditions for rotation and fixed grip conditions for shooting
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 provides a robust, durable, and easy-to-use solution that enhances stick handling skills by allowing adjustable grip simulation, accommodating various stick diameters, and facilitating both rotational and non-rotational drills.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible material has recovery properties, wherein the flexible material is movable from the first position to the second position when force is applied onto the flexible material while it is placed onto the stick during use. The resilient properties enable the device to be capable of recovering from the second position to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable flexible device for use in training activities for stick-based sports. The device is comprised of a flexible material provided in a planar surface in a flattened and free state. The device includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a slot located through the material and configured to securely receive the first end. In use, the device is wrapped into a cylindrical shape around the stick and secured in place via the slot and first end coupling. The device material properties provide that it is collapsible.