Mobile Tackling Dummy with Omni-Directional Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sports training methods, such as using tackling dummies, fail to simulate the dynamic motion of a live player, leading to inadequate injury reduction and unrealistic practice scenarios in sports like football and rugby, as they are static and do not accurately replicate the unpredictable motion of a live player.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic drive system and mobile device equipped with a ball drive, omni-directional wheels, motors, and a controller, which provides rolling motion and allows for remote control, mimicking the unpredictable motion of a live player, thus enabling safe and realistic tackling practice without person-to-person contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If static tackling dummies are used for practice, then player safety is improved by eliminating contact injuries, but realism is worsened because they cannot simulate dynamic player motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static tackling dummy into a dynamic mobile device by adding motors, ball drives, and control systems that enable the dummy to move, change direction, and simulate unpredictable player motion patterns during tackling drills
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device creates a realistic copy of live player motion through programmed movement patterns, speed variations, and directional changes that replicate how actual players move during game scenarios, allowing safe yet realistic practice
2Object-affected harmful factors
If player-to-player contact is eliminated during practice, then injury incidence is reduced, but training effectiveness is worsened by removing realistic game scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary between player safety and training realism, providing a middle ground where players can practice full-contact tackling techniques on a simulated target that eliminates the risk of injuring another player while maintaining game-relevant scenarios
3Adaptability or versatility
If tackling dummies are made mobile to simulate player motion, then realism is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device integrates multiple functions into a single system: locomotion through ball drives, directional control via omni-directional wheels, motion simulation through programmed patterns, and safety through controlled operation, eliminating the need for separate static dummies and manual positioning systems
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 system allows for safe practice of tackling form in a game-relevant scenario, reducing injury incidence while reinforcing proper form, and can operate in various weather conditions, with quick reset and high mobility, providing a realistic alternative to live play.
Implementation Method 1
The ball drive provides rolling motion to the device
Implementation Method 2
The at least one motor is connected to at least one of the omni-directional members, the at least one motor providing the motive force to drive the at least one omni-directional members and the ball drive
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device which simulates player motion, the device includes a ball drive, omni-directional members, at least one motor, a controller and pads. The ball drive provides rolling motion to the device. The omni-directional members are positioned proximate to and in engagement with the ball drive. The at least one motor is connected to the omni-directional members, the at least one motor providing the motive force to drive the omni-directional members and the ball drive. The controller controls the motor. The pads are positioned on the device. The device accurately mimics the unpredictable motion of a live player to provide a safe alternative to live play to increase player safety and decrease the incidence of injuries during practice sessions.