Modular Hoop Game System with Stabilized Vertical Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a continuous need for new recreational game apparatus and methods that are easy to transport, set up, and suitable for both outdoor and indoor play, particularly for games using tangible projectiles with elevated, horizontally disposed goals or targets, as existing solutions do not adequately meet the demand for versatility and accessibility across various age groups and environments.
Innovation Solution
A target game system comprising a set of hoop members with differently sized central openings, capture nets, and a vertical support system with stabilizers, allowing for adjustable height and easy assembly, along with a self-illuminated option using LEDs, designed for portable and versatile play on various surfaces including grass, sand, and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the target game device uses a fixed, heavy structure for stability, then stability is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The target game device is divided into separate modular components including hoop members, capture nets, couplers, and support members that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the device to be transported in compact parts while maintaining stability when assembled through the interlocking modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable support members with ground-engaging stabilizers that can be configured based on playing conditions. The stabilizers can be extended or adjusted to provide optimal stability on different surfaces (grass, sand, water), allowing the structure to adapt dynamically to environmental conditions while remaining portable.
2Reliability
If the target game device is designed for outdoor use with ground engagement, then stability on outdoor surfaces is improved, but adaptability to indoor surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed with universal ground-engaging stabilizers that can effectively engage with multiple surface types including grass, sand, water, and indoor flooring. The stabilizers feature a design that provides reliable engagement across diverse surfaces, making the device equally suitable for both outdoor and indoor play environments without requiring different configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hoop members have uniform opening sizes, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but player skill development and game variety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates hoop members with different opening sizes (e.g., small, medium, large openings) to create varying levels of difficulty and target different skill sets. This local variation in opening quality allows players to develop diverse throwing skills while the modular design maintains manufacturing simplicity by using standardized components in different configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A target game system including a target game device having a plurality of hoop members arranged in stacked relationship, each hoop member including a frame defining an elongated central opening through which a tossable item may pass, the elongated central opening having an opening width greater than an opening height, coupled to the frame, a capture net configured to capture the tossable item passing through the central opening, and at least one coupler configured to removably couple the hoop member with at least one other hoop member of the plurality. In addition, each target game device includes a vertical support member configured to support the plurality of hoop members above a ground surface, the vertical support member including a ground-engaging stabilizer configured to positionally stabilize the vertical support member by engagement with the ground surface.