Modular Ball Retrieval Hopper with Interchangeable Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ball retrieval and storage devices are not adaptable for multiple sports, requiring separate devices for different ball diameters, which is costly and inefficient, and often cumbersome for athletes and families participating in various sports.
Innovation Solution
A modular ball retriever assembly with a hopper body and interchangeable attachments, allowing unidirectional passage of balls through different-sized retrieval structures, enabling the device to accommodate various ball diameters and facilitating both retrieval and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device is designed for a single type of ball, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot be adapted for multiple sports with different ball diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reusable hopper body and interchangeable attachments. Each attachment is designed for a specific ball type, allowing the user to swap attachments rather than redesigning the entire device. This segmentation enables multi-sport adaptability while keeping individual attachment structures simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The hopper body serves as a universal base that can accommodate multiple types of attachments through a standardized coupling mechanism. This allows a single hopper body to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attachment, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are purchased for each sport, then each device is optimized for its specific ball type, but the total cost and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple single-purpose devices are merged into one multi-purpose device by combining a common hopper body with various ball-type-specific attachments. This reduces the total number of devices from multiple separate units to a single modular system, lowering cost and storage requirements while maintaining optimized performance for each ball type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a retrieval device handles multiple ball sizes, then versatility is improved, but the retrieval structure becomes more complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval function is segmented into attachment-specific mechanisms. Each attachment contains a retrieval structure optimized for its designated ball size, ensuring high retrieval efficiency for that specific ball type without compromising performance for other ball sizes. The segmentation allows each component to be highly specialized rather than generally competent.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball retriever assembly for retrieving and storing balls includes a hopper body defining a hollow storage space therein and at least one attachment configured for removable coupling to the hopper body. Each of the attachments includes a retrieval structure configured for unidirectional passage of one of the balls through the corresponding one of the attachments. A lid is configured for removable coupling to the hopper body as well as each of the attachments. The lid is adjustable between a ball retrieval configuration wherein the lid encloses an end of the hollow storage space and a ball removal configuration wherein the lid forms a stand for maintaining an upright and open configuration of the hopper body. The different attachments configured for removable coupling to the hopper body allow for the unidirectional passage of different ranges of outer ball diameters.