Lacrosse Stick Anchor Mechanism for Accurate Ball Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lacrosse practice devices, such as rebounders and those with cords attached to the stick head, are inefficient due to time wasted chasing missed balls and compatibility issues with mesh strung stick heads, leading to suboptimal ball return points and reduced practice effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A lacrosse training device with a mechanism that attaches to the stick head, featuring a single cord connecting the anchor mechanism to the stick head and ball, providing a secure, stable, and accurate ball return system, ensuring the ball is never overthrown or underthrown, and is compatible with any stick head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Velcro strap is used to attach the cord to the stick head, then the device can be easily attached and detached, but the Velcro strap is too wide to be compatible with certain mesh strung stick heads
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into multiple components: a base plate that contacts the stick head, vertical parallel braces for stabilization, and a funnel channel for cord securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while adapting to different stick head types including mesh strung heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses localized contact points through the base plate and vertical braces rather than a wide Velcro strap. This localized approach reduces the attachment width requirement while maintaining secure attachment, enabling compatibility with mesh strung stick heads that have limited attachment surface area.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cord is attached at the base of the stick head (throat), then the device can be attached, but the ball return point is much different from the top of the scoop return point, which is undesirable for many players
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism extends vertically from the base plate through the vertical parallel braces, allowing the cord to be positioned at the top of the scoop while the base remains attached at the throat. This vertical dimensionality enables accurate ball release orientation without compromising attachment simplicity.
3Productivity
If rebounders are used for practice, then the ball can be returned, but if missed with the thrown ball, time is wasted chasing the ball
Solution Approach 1:
The cord automatically returns the ball to the player after each throw, whether the throw is successful or missed. The elastic cord pulls the ball back to the starting position without requiring the player to chase it, enabling continuous practice iterations without time loss.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanism is designed to be universal for use with multiple lacrosse sticks, then adaptability is improved, but the mechanism may compromise on impact strength and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is designed as a universal attachment that can be used with multiple lacrosse stick types through its adaptable base plate and vertical braces. The design maintains impact strength and stability by using a robust structure with multiple contact points rather than compromising on strength for universality.
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
The device increases the number of practice iterations, improves hand-eye coordination, and enhances throwing and catching accuracy by ensuring rapid and accurate ball return, reducing time spent retrieving the ball and improving compatibility with various stick heads.
Implementation Method 1
A single cord connects the anchor mechanism to the stick head and the ball to the anchor mechanism, so that when the ball is thrown from the stick head, the cord stretches and then contracts, returning the ball back towards the person throwing it.
Data Source
AI summary
A lacrosse practice and/or training device allows a person to practice throwing and catching by themselves. The device includes an anchor mechanism that slides over the top of a lacrosse stick head, a cord, and a ball. A single cord connects the anchor mechanism to the stick head and the ball to the anchor mechanism, so that when the ball is thrown from the stick head, the cord stretches and then contracts, returning the ball back towards the person throwing it. The anchor mechanism is universal, for use with multiple stick heads, and it has vertical parallel braces for stabilization when on the stick head. Additionally, the release point of the cord is positioned at the top of the anchor mechanism, which is clipped onto the scoop or top of the stick head, to provide the user with a more accurate ball release and retract orientation than conventional practice devices.