Inflatable Tackle Dummy with Whistle Feedback for Rugby Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tackle training methods in contact sports, such as rugby, rely on human targets which can lead to injuries for both the tackler and the target, necessitating a safer and more effective training apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A tackle practice apparatus featuring an inflatable dummy element with a central and peripheral bladder system, connected to a motive means like a sled, allowing for realistic movement and providing an indicating mechanism to assess correct tackling techniques, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing training authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human persons are used as tackle targets, then the training is more realistic and effective, but the risk of injury to both the tackler and the target increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dummy element that copies the essential characteristics of a human player (shape, size, movement capability) to serve as a tackle target. The dummy is pulled across the field by a sled system, simulating player movement without involving actual humans as targets, thus eliminating injury risk while maintaining training realism
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy element acts as an intermediary between the tackler and the actual game scenario. It provides the necessary resistance and movement simulation without being a human, thereby mediating the training process to eliminate harmful injuries while preserving training effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a dummy element is used instead of a human target, then the risk of injury is reduced, but the realism and authenticity of the training scenario decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy element is connected to a sled that can be pulled across the field, giving the dummy dynamic movement capabilities. This allows the dummy to be dragged in various directions and at different speeds, simulating the movement patterns of actual players during tackles, thereby maintaining training authenticity while using a non-human target
Solution Approach 2:
The training system is segmented into separate functional components: the dummy element represents the player being tackled, while the sled system provides the movement and resistance characteristics. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the dummy for safety and the sled for realistic movement simulation
3Productivity
If the dummy element is connected to a sled for pulling, then the simulation of player movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sled system serves multiple functions: it pulls the dummy across the field, provides resistance during tackling, and can be configured for different training scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate equipment pieces, thereby managing complexity while improving simulation capability
Data Source
AI summary
Tackle practice apparatus (1) comprises an inflatable dummy element (3) in the shape of a person, and is releasably coupled to an inflatable ground engaging sled (4) from which a rope (5) extends to a harness (6) which is releasably coupleable to a person for pulling the tackle practice apparatus across a playing pitch for tackle practice by a player. The dummy element (3) comprises a base element (9) and an inflatable central bladder (7) extending upwardly from the base element (9). Two inflatable lower peripheral bladders (10) and two inflatable upper peripheral bladders (13) extend around the central bladder (7). The lower peripheral bladders (10) are located below a waist high position (14). The base element (9) comprises an inflatable first base bladder (15) which is inflatable with water to provide ballast to the dummy element (3), and an inflatable second base bladder (16) above the first base bladder (15) from which the central bladder (7) extends. On the dummy element (3) being correctly tackled below the waist high position (14) by a player, air from the central bladder (7) is expelled through a whistle (31), thus indicating a correct tackle. The sled (4) comprises an inflatable ring (21).