Foldable Sports Net Assembly With Dovetail and Magnetic Bracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports nets are difficult to transport and assemble/disassemble, taking up valuable practice time and are not suitable for easy storage, especially in transition from houses to apartments.
Innovation Solution
A foldable sports net assembly with a U-shaped base, pivotally connected side and crossbars, and magnetic back brace, secured by dovetail channels and rails, allowing easy assembly, disassembly, and storage without special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sports nets are used to maintain game authenticity, then the net size and structure match official specifications, but the nets become difficult to transport and assemble requiring full disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The net system is divided into modular components including a U-shaped base with depth elements, side bars, crossbars, and a net panel. These segmented parts can be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining the complete net structure for game authenticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base depth elements are pivotally connected to side bars, allowing the structure to be dynamically collapsed for transport and expanded for use. This dynamic mechanism enables easy assembly and disassembly without compromising the net's structural integrity when deployed.
2Strength
If traditional sports nets are used for practice, then the net provides adequate structural strength, but assembly and disassembly consume valuable practice time
Solution Approach 1:
The net is pre-configured with pivotally connected base elements and dovetail engagement features that enable rapid assembly. The U-shaped base with pre-attached side bars and crossbars allows for quick setup without requiring complex assembly procedures, thus preserving practice time.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical fastening systems are replaced with dovetail channels and rails that slide together for secure engagement. This substitution simplifies the assembly mechanism while maintaining structural strength, reducing the time required to set up the net.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional sports nets are used, then the net provides sufficient stability, but the net requires dedicated storage space in garages or large facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The net structure is designed to collapse into a compact nested configuration where crossbars nest within side bars, and the entire structure folds into a space-efficient form. This nesting capability allows the stable net structure to be stored in small spaces such as apartments or attached houses without requiring large garages.
Solution Approach 2:
The net transitions from a three-dimensional expanded structure providing stability during use to a compact folded configuration for storage. By changing the spatial dimensionality through pivotal connections and folding mechanisms, the net maintains stability when deployed while requiring minimal storage space when collapsed.
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
Enables easy transport, assembly, and storage of a sturdy sports net that maintains game authenticity, suitable for various living spaces.
Implementation Method 1
A back brace is magnetically secured between the back element and the distal ends of the crossbars
Implementation Method 2
The dovetail rail slides into the dovetail channel to form the sports net opening
Data Source
AI summary
A sports net assembly includes a base having a back element and first and second depth elements connected to form a U-shape supported by the ground when deployed. Two side bars extend upwardly from the base perpendicular to the ground. Crossbars extend toward each other and are coaxial with each other while being parallel to the ground. The first crossbar has a first distal end with a dovetail channel and the second crossbar has a second distal end with a dovetail rail complementing the dovetail channel. The dovetail rail slides into the dovetail channel to form the sports net opening. A back brace is magnetically secured between the back element and the distal ends of the crossbars and the net is draped over the back brace while being secured to the base, sides and crossbars.