Foldable Net Support With Telescoping Base and Locking Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable structures for sporting devices, such as pickleball nets, are often heavy, difficult to set up, and aesthetically unappealing due to the use of bulky materials.
Innovation Solution
A foldable structure incorporating telescopic members, wheels, and a locking mechanism for a sporting device, allowing easy setup and use, featuring a column base support, arm support, and a release mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy materials are used to form sturdy folding legs, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the weight of the device increases and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining aluminum extrusions with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) components. The aluminum provides structural strength and rigidity, while the HDPE adds durability and reduces overall weight compared to traditional steel or wood folding leg materials. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by achieving adequate strength with reduced weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from traditional heavy materials (steel, wood) to lightweight materials (aluminum, plastic composites). By modifying the material composition and physical properties, the structure maintains sufficient strength while significantly reducing weight, enabling portability without sacrificing structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional folding mechanisms are used, then the device can be collapsed for storage, but the complexity of setup and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-latching through simple manual engagement. The user activates the locking mechanism by pressing a release button, which automatically secures the folding leg in its extended position without requiring complex adjustments or multiple steps. This self-service approach maintains foldability while minimizing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding leg is divided into distinct modular segments (aluminum extrusion sections, HDPE components, locking mechanism parts) that can independently fold and lock. This segmentation allows the structure to collapse compactly for storage while enabling simple setup by merely extending and locking the segments, reducing operational complexity.
3Strength
If traditional folding leg designs are used, then the structure can support loads, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of aluminum extrusions with smooth HDPE components creates a visually appealing contrast between metallic and plastic textures. The clean lines of the extruded aluminum sections, paired with the matte finish of the polyethylene parts, produce an aesthetically pleasing appearance that improves upon traditional folding leg designs while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the folding leg structure are given different material qualities optimized for their specific functions: aluminum extrusions provide structural strength and rigidity where needed, while HDPE components provide smooth surfaces and visual appeal in visible areas. This local differentiation of material properties enhances both appearance and structural performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supporting a sporting net including a first vertical structure, with rotationally coupling to a net at a first end. And a first base assembly rotationally coupled at a second end. Including a first wheel arm with a wheel and a second wheel arm, with a second wheel, the second wheel rotationally coupled to the second wheel arm. The base assembly is further coupled to a first telescoping member rotationally coupled to a net support dispose substantially perpendicular to the first telescoping member. And a second telescoping member removably coupled to the first telescoping member, wherein the first and second wheel arm are operative to fold onto the first telescoping member.