Pliable Goal Apparatus Tension Frame Segmentation

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable sports goals are often bulky and cumbersome due to their construction from heavy materials, making them difficult to carry and store, and existing solutions using tubular plastic materials do not adequately address the issue of weight and bulkiness.

Innovation Solution

A portable goal apparatus featuring a frame that supports pliable goalpost and crossbar members in tension, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and includes a base member with biased upper net connection points to facilitate compression and tension support, enabling a lightweight and compact configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If permanent or semi-permanent steel goals are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The goal structure is divided into separate modular components (frame, crossbar, goal net) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The frame consists of multiple tubular elements that connect to form the goal structure, allowing easy portability while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses tubular plastic members with thin-walled construction that provide sufficient structural strength while minimizing weight. The tubular structure offers high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the goal to be portable yet structurally sound during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Weight of moving object

If tubular plastic materials are used for portable goals, then weight is reduced, but bulkiness and storage difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidbulkiness

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The goal structure is divided into separate modular components (frame, crossbar, goal net) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The frame consists of multiple tubular elements that connect to form the goal structure, allowing easy portability while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular frame members are designed to nest within each other when disassembled, significantly reducing the storage volume. The telescopic or nested arrangement allows the goal to be compacted to a fraction of its assembled size, solving the bulkiness problem while maintaining lightweight construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If heavy materials are used for goal construction, then structural stability is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The goal structure is divided into separate modular components (frame, crossbar, goal net) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The frame consists of multiple tubular elements that connect to form the goal structure, allowing easy portability while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs connection mechanisms that change the structural parameters during assembly - transitioning from individual loose components to a rigid interconnected framework. The joint designs enable quick transformation while maintaining structural stability, allowing easy assembly without compromising strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides a lightweight, compact, and easily transportable goal apparatus that mimics permanent goals, offering a realistic training experience while reducing storage and carrying challenges.

Implementation Method 1

The frame is configured to support the first pliable goalpost member in tension between the first lower net connection point and the first upper net connection point, support the second pliable goalpost member in tension between the lower net connection point and the second upper net connection point, and support the pliable crossbar member in tension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

a base member with biased upper net connection points to facilitate compression and tension support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9999816B2Goal apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.06.19 QUICK PLAY SPORT

AI summary

Goal apparatus comprising a frame, a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member. The frame presents net connection points and is configured to support each of the pliable goal members in tension between two net connection points such that the goal apparatus presents a substantially rectangular goal mouth. A frame for use in the goal apparatus. A net for use in the goal apparatus comprising first, second and third edges, and a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member extending along the first, second and third edge respectively.