Pétanque Ball Lifter with Integrated Tape Measure and Score Counter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pétanque ball lifters require separate instruments for lifting and scoring, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially during prolonged games.
Innovation Solution
A pétanque ball lifter with a gripping body integrated with a pulling member, a length measurement mechanism using a graduated tape measure, and a counting mechanism with numbered wheels, allowing for simultaneous ball lifting, distance measurement, and scorekeeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate score counter is used in addition to the ball lifter, then scoring functionality is provided, but the complexity of equipment and ease of operation deteriorates due to needing to manipulate two separate instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ball lifter and score counter into a single integrated device. The gripping body of the ball lifter incorporates a counting mechanism with numbered wheels that can be manually advanced to record scores, eliminating the need for separate instruments and simplifying operation during the game
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping body is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the ball-lifting mechanism and the score counter. The counting mechanism with numbered wheels allows the same device to track scores for multiple teams, making it a universal tool for both ball retrieval and scorekeeping
2Measurement precision
If a separate measuring instrument is used for distance measurement, then distance measurement capability is provided, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring multiple instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a measuring tape into the gripping body of the ball lifter. The measuring tape can be extended from the gripping body to measure the distance between balls on the playing surface, combining distance measurement functionality with the ball-lifting device and eliminating the need for separate measuring instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping body becomes a multi-functional device that can measure distances, lift balls, and keep scores. The measuring tape is stored within or attached to the gripping body, allowing it to serve as both a lifting mechanism and a measuring tool
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used for ball lifting, scoring, and distance measurement, then all required functionalities are provided, but the ease of operation and productivity deteriorate during prolonged games
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate instruments (ball lifter, score counter, and measuring tape) into a single integrated gripping body. This consolidation allows players to perform all three functions—measuring distance, lifting balls, and recording scores—using one device, significantly improving game efficiency and reducing the time needed to switch between instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping body is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: it measures distances with an integrated tape, lifts balls using its gripping mechanism, and keeps scores through numbered wheels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to handle multiple separate instruments during the game
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
Enhances ergonomics and reliability by allowing a single device to handle ball lifting, distance measurement, and scorekeeping, simplifying gameplay and determining winners more easily.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping body is provided with an integrated permanent magnet, allowing to grip the balls made of a ferritic material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The pétanque ball lifter (1, 1A) comprises a gripping body (2, 20) to which is attached a traction member (3) which includes a handle (5) at an end opposite (4) to the gripping body (2, 20). The ball lifter (1, 1A) further comprises length measuring means (7A), the length measuring means (7A) being an integral part of the gripping body (2, 20).