Football Sled Range of Motion Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current football training equipment lacks the ability to simulate the complex, coordinated blocking techniques and dynamic movements required for zone blocking, particularly in terms of resistance and natural movement, which are essential for modern football strategies.
Innovation Solution
A football blocking sled with a range of motion assembly that includes a damper system and cartridge system, allowing for lateral and vertical movement, simulating the weight and resistance of a defender, and enabling players to practice complex blocking schemes by adjusting the range of motion through interchangeable cartridge plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional football sled with fixed padded extension is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot simulate the complex movements and resistance of a real defender
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed padded extension into a movable arm assembly that can dynamically change position. The arm is connected to the sled base through a range of motion assembly with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing it to move laterally, vertically, and rotate. This dynamic structure simulates the natural movements of a real defender's body during blocking, resolving the contradiction between simulation capability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the padded extension into separate functional components: the arm assembly, range of motion assembly, damper system, and cartridge system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and adjusted. The arm can be positioned at different angles and heights, the damper can be adjusted for resistance, and the cartridge system provides interchangeable configurations, thereby enhancing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed resistance system is used in the sled, then the device is simpler to operate, but it cannot provide the variable resistance and natural movement required for zone blocking techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes through the damper system, which allows adjustment of resistance parameters. The damper can be tuned to provide variable resistance forces during arm movement, simulating the changing resistance encountered when blocking different defensive positions. This parameter adjustment capability enables realistic zone blocking training while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive controls and pre-configured settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper system acts as an intermediary between the arm movement and the resistance force. It mediates the interaction by smoothly translating arm displacement into variable resistance, providing natural movement feedback without requiring complex mechanical linkages. This intermediary mechanism simplifies operation while achieving adaptive resistance, as the damper automatically adjusts force based on movement parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sled uses a fixed arm position, then the manufacturing and setup is simpler, but it cannot simulate the lateral and vertical movements of a defender
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed arm position with a multi-degree-of-freedom range of motion assembly. This assembly includes lateral movement guides, vertical adjustment mechanisms, and rotational joints that enable the arm to simulate defender movements in multiple directions. The dynamic design achieves realistic movement simulation while managing assembly complexity through standardized components and modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The range of motion assembly is segmented into independent functional units: lateral movement mechanism, vertical adjustment mechanism, and rotational joint. Each segment can be manufactured and tested separately, then assembled into the complete arm system. This segmentation reduces overall assembly complexity while enabling comprehensive movement simulation, as each segment contributes a specific degree of freedom without requiring complex integration.
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 safe and effective simulation of zone blocking techniques, allowing players to develop and practice complex blocking assignments, improving training efficiency and realism, and helping defenders to effectively counter offensive players.
Implementation Method 1
a damper system and a range of motion assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A blocking sled includes an arm movable relative to a sled frame and a blocking pad movable relative to the arm.