Game Net Opening and Shuttlecock Braking for Small-Space Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing racket sports require lined courts, which necessitate a large area for play, and there is a need for a game that can be played indoors or outdoors without such constraints.
Innovation Solution
A game net with a centrally located opening and a shuttlecock design that self-limits speed and flight distance through centrifugal forces on its tail feathers, allowing play in smaller spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional net is used for racket sports, then the game can be played according to conventional rules, but a large lined court area is required
Solution Approach 1:
The net is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central opening zone for passing objects, side netting zones for boundary definition, and corner zones with extended netting. This segmentation allows the game to be played without traditional court lines by using the net structure itself to define play areas, thereby reducing the required court area while maintaining game accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the net vertically with extended side netting and corner zones, adding a vertical dimension to the traditional horizontal court boundaries. This dimensional change allows boundary definition in three-dimensional space rather than requiring large horizontal court areas, enabling play in smaller spaces while maintaining ease of operation
2Measurement precision
If the net has a central opening for passing, then precise aiming is required for fair play, but the game becomes more difficult to play
Solution Approach 1:
The net has different functional properties in different zones: the central opening provides a precise target for aiming practice, while the extended side netting and corner zones provide larger target areas and more forgiving boundaries. This local differentiation allows the game to require precision when needed while providing easier play options elsewhere, balancing aiming precision requirements with overall game accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The extended side netting and corner zones create larger target areas beyond the central opening, allowing players to score points through partial actions (hitting the extended netting) in addition to precise central opening passes. This reduces the strict difficulty associated with precise aiming while maintaining the precision requirement for certain game scenarios
3Length of moving object
If the shuttlecock can travel long distances, then players can cover more ground, but the game cannot be played in small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttlecock is designed with dynamic flight characteristics that allow it to travel varying distances based on the force applied. The adjustable weight and aerodynamic properties enable the shuttlecock to be hit short distances for precise court positioning or longer distances when more power is applied, allowing the game to adapt to different play area sizes while maintaining controlled flight patterns
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 fair game play without lined courts by requiring precise aiming through the net opening and controlled shuttlecock movement, facilitating indoor and outdoor play.
Implementation Method 1
The shuttlecock construction is such that when it is struck, the shuttlecock spins about its axis and induces centrifugal forces on its tail feathers
Implementation Method 2
The centrifugal forces acting on the tail feathers cause the tips of the feathers to bend outwardly inducing a braking action
Data Source
AI summary
A game net for playing a game involving hitting an object back-and-forth between players located on opposite sides of the net. The game net has a netting or panel that is supportable on a frame or otherwise above a ground surface and is movable from location to location. The netting or panel has an opening or window formed completely therethrough to provide passage of the object through the netting or panel when hit by one or more players located on opposite sides of the netting or panel. With the game net, players must direct the object more accurately through the window with a higher degree of precision than what is required to pass an object over existing game nets.