Gravity Drop Ball Game System with Spiral Guide Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf games do not effectively test skills and generate competition between players and teams in a safe, convenient, and economical manner.
Innovation Solution
A gravity drop ball game system comprising a plurality of balls, a dispensing assembly with a cradle and spiral guide rail, and a receiving assembly with an input ramp and cup, allowing players to drop balls through a spiral guide for scoring, promoting competition and skill testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional golf games are used to test player skills and generate competition, then the game structure is well-established and recognizable, but the game is not safe, convenient, and economical for general use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, durable golf equipment with inexpensive, disposable or easily replaceable components such as foam balls, plastic ramps, and simple cup targets. This allows the game to be played safely indoors or in confined spaces without risk of damage or injury from hard golf balls and clubs, while maintaining the competitive skill-testing aspect through varied ball trajectories and landing zones.
2Reliability
If traditional golf games are used to test player skills and generate competition, then the game structure is well-established and recognizable, but the game is not convenient for general accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the golf game into segmented, modular components that can be independently assembled and configured: dispensing assemblies for different ball types, various ramp configurations, multiple cup positions, and adjustable obstacles. This segmentation allows the game to be adapted to different skill levels, ages, and physical abilities, making it convenient and accessible to a broader audience while preserving the core skill-testing mechanism.
3Reliability
If traditional golf games are used to test player skills and generate competition, then the game structure is well-established and recognizable, but the game is not economical for widespread play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by using the same basic game components with varying properties: different ball materials (foam, plastic, weighted), different ramp angles and lengths, different cup distances and positions, and different obstacle configurations. This allows multiple game variations and skill-level adaptations without requiring separate equipment sets, reducing manufacturing costs and increasing accessibility while maintaining reliable skill testing capabilities.
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, convenient, and economical skill testing and competition between players and teams, with adjustable gameplay and customizable rules, making the game accessible and enjoyable for various ages and abilities.
Implementation Method 1
a guide rail with a spiral section extending downwardly from the cradle to the output ramp
Implementation Method 2
a receiving assembly which includes an input ramp and a cup above the input ramp. The plurality of balls are positioned in the cradle for being fed by a player down the guide rail, down the output ramp, up the input ramp into the cup
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing assembly includes a cradle above for supporting and dispensing a plurality of balls. The dispensing assembly also includes an output ramp below. The dispensing assembly also includes a guide rail with a spiral section extending downwardly from the cradle to the output ramp. A receiving assembly includes an input ramp below and a cup above. The plurality of balls are positioned in the cradle for being fed by a player down the guide rail, down the output ramp, and hopefully, up the input ramp into the cup.