Hockey Target with Funneling Puck Return Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hockey game systems are inefficient in collecting and returning hockey pucks during practice, often requiring a goalie and leading to fatigue and safety concerns, as well as lacking convenience in puck retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A hockey target and puck return system with a flexible body and adjustable straps secured to a goal, featuring multiple openings and back pockets with darts that funnel pucks back to the player, eliminating the need for a goalie and enhancing practice efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a goalie is positioned within the goal to block pucks, then the goal is protected from pucks entering, but the goalie experiences fatigue and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the goalie from the system by implementing an automated puck return mechanism. The goal structure itself is modified to include collection bins and return channels that automatically retrieve and return pucks without human intervention, thereby eliminating fatigue and safety concerns while maintaining goal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The goal system performs self-service by automatically collecting and returning pucks through integrated bins and return channels. The system serves itself by using the goal's own structure to handle puck retrieval and return, eliminating the need for external human assistance.
2Ease of operation
If pucks are collected manually during practice, then puck retrieval is possible, but the process is inconvenient and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the goal structure with puck collection and return functions into a single integrated system. The goal frame supports collection bins, and return channels are built into the structure, merging multiple functions (goalkeeping, collection, and return) into one unified apparatus that improves both convenience and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical retrieval with an automated mechanical return system. The return channels and launch mechanism automatically propel pucks back to players, substituting manual collection and return actions with an automated mechanical system that enhances practice efficiency.
3Reliability
If traditional goal structures are used, then the goal functions for blocking pucks, but puck collection and return are not integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the goal structure universal by giving it multiple functions: blocking pucks (traditional function), collecting pucks via integrated bins, and returning pucks through built-in channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate collection equipment while maintaining reliable goal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing collection bins within or attached to the goal structure, and embedding return channels within the same framework. The nested arrangement allows the goal to contain multiple functional elements (bins, channels, launchers) without increasing external complexity, maintaining a compact integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A hockey puck return target system includes a body extending from a top to a bottom and from a first side to a second side, the body having a curved positioned near the bottom to facilitate puck return; a cover positioned substantially in front of the body, the cover having openings extending through a thickness of the cover; the openings are configured to receive the hockey puck and facilitate entry of the hockey puck into the body; one or more straps attached to the body and to secure the body to a hockey goal.