Foosball Rod Safety Sleeve Using Extraction and Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foosball tables pose a safety risk due to exposed rods that can hit players or bystanders, with existing solutions either being costly, complex, or ineffective in preventing injuries.
Innovation Solution
A modified foosball rod bearing nut comprising a conical frustum sleeve and cylindrical nut that securely encapsulates the rod, allowing it to move freely while preventing exposure and easy installation on standard tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If rod caps are used to reduce impact, then injury severity is reduced, but safety is not fully ensured as rods remain exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful extended portion of the rod is extracted and separated from the functional rod by using a sleeve that covers only the exposed portion. The sleeve is removable and does not interfere with rod movement during gameplay, while effectively containing the hazardous part that extends beyond the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
A sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the rod and the surrounding environment. This sleeve provides a protective barrier that reduces direct contact hazards while allowing the rod to move freely within the sleeve during normal operation.
2Reliability
If wider walls are used to cover rod ends, then safety is improved by preventing rod exposure, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety function is segmented from the main table structure. Instead of modifying the entire table wall, a separate sleeve component is introduced that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation allows the safety feature to be added without redesigning the overall table structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and installed. It is not a permanent structural modification but rather a removable accessory that provides safety functionality at low cost and complexity.
3Reliability
If wider walls are used to cover rod ends, then safety is improved, but the foosball table occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The safety coverage is segmented into a separate sleeve component rather than expanding the main table structure. This allows the safety function to be achieved without increasing the overall footprint of the foosball table.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is nested around the rod in a concentric arrangement, with the rod moving within the sleeve. This nesting approach provides safety coverage without requiring additional lateral space, as the protective element is contained within the existing rod envelope.
4Reliability
If the sleeve is secured with a set screw, then safety is improved by preventing rod disengagement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The set screw mechanism allows the sleeve to be easily secured and released by the user without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The user can tighten the set screw to secure the rod in place or loosen it for removal, providing a simple self-service securing system.
Data Source
AI summary
A foosball table safety accessory is disclosed which includes a conical frustum shaped sleeve, a cylindrical nut and a cylindrical sleeve which forms a modified foosball rod bearing nut. The modified foosball rod bearing nut is attachable to and removable from side walls of the foosball table. The cylindrical nut has a through bore with internal threading throughout the length of the through bore. In the conical frustum shaped sleeve, one end is broader than the other side. The cylindrical nut is attached to the broad side of the conical frustum shaped sleeve. The cylindrical sleeve is attached to the narrow side of the conical frustum shaped sleeve. The accessory or protective sleeve would encapsulate the free end of a foosball rod and allows the foosball rod to freely move back and forth, yet provides for the sleeve to be fixed. Overall, a new type of bearing nut together with a polycarbonate tubing or sleeve enhance the safety of the foosball table during use. The accessory would enhance safety by preventing injuries by securing the rod within the sleeve so as the moving rod does not inadvertently hit a bystander. Safety is also enhanced since the rod is not protruding from the sleeve.