Basketball Hoop Ball Return Structure for Solo Shooting Practice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing basketball training devices are bulky, difficult to install, require multiple people, and hinder aiming, while compact devices are challenging for solo players to use and install, and do not effectively guide and return balls regardless of shooting trajectory.
Innovation Solution
A removably attachable ball guidance and return device with adjustable, telescopic, and foldable structures that can be easily installed by a single player, guiding and returning balls with optimal or non-optimal trajectories, and featuring a ramp system with concave-convex shapes for efficient ball return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulky, static ball guidance devices are installed, then ball guidance and return function is provided, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase, requiring multiple people and considerable time
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent components: lateral structures with attachment means, hoop structures, ball return means, and guidance means. These segmented parts can be separately manufactured, easily assembled, and independently positioned to perform specific functions without requiring a complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable and movable elements including telescopic lateral structures, foldable hoops, and reconfigurable ball return means. These dynamic components allow the device to adapt to different shooting positions and trajectories, reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable ball guidance and return functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If compact ball guidance devices are used, then device portability improves, but ease of installation deteriorates for solo players due to the 3.05m hoop height
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means are distributed across multiple lateral structures and hoops, allowing the device to be assembled in sections. This segmentation enables a solo player to install the compact device at the 3.05m hoop height without requiring additional equipment or assistance, as each segment can be independently positioned and secured.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes vertical dimension with telescopic lateral structures that can extend upward to reach the hoop height while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint. This dimensional approach allows solo installation of a compact device at regulation hoop height without requiring ladders or additional equipment.
3Reliability
If traditional ball guidance devices are installed, then ball return function is provided, but they obstruct the player's aim and vision during shooting drills
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance and return functions are segmented into separate means: guidance means (lateral walls or barriers) positioned to minimally obstruct vision, and ball return means (ramps or chutes) positioned to efficiently redirect balls. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its function while minimizing overall visual obstruction during shooting drills.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs localized guidance elements rather than comprehensive barriers. Lateral structures with attachment means provide targeted ball guidance only where needed, leaving the central viewing area clear. This local quality approach maintains ball return reliability while minimizing visual obstruction for the player's aim.
4Device complexity
If players retrieve balls manually during training, then no additional equipment is needed, but training efficiency decreases due to time spent retrieving balls
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides automatic ball return functionality through integrated ball return means that actively redirect balls to the player after shots. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual ball retrieval, allowing players to maintain continuous shooting drills without leaving their position, thereby significantly improving training efficiency while requiring only this single additional device.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for guiding and returning a ball (1) arranged to be removably attached to a ring of a basketball hoop (2).