Portable Automatic Football Snapper with Adjustable Launch Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing football snapping devices are not portable, do not store the ball, cannot simulate both under-center and shotgun snaps, and require multiple people for operation, limiting solo practice options for quarterbacks.
Innovation Solution
A portable, automatic football snapper designed as a tube that can launch snaps, allowing single-person operation, storage, and simulation of both under-center and shotgun snaps, with manual, mechanical, or electronic trigger options for controlled ball release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If existing football snapping devices are used, then football snapping function is provided, but portability is poor and device size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components including a collapsible support structure with legs that can be folded against the main body, allowing the device to be broken down into smaller manageable sections for easy transport and storage while maintaining full functionality when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The support legs and structural components are designed to be dynamically adjustable - collapsible for portability and extendable for stable operation - allowing the device to adapt between compact transport mode and functional deployment mode, resolving the contradiction between size and ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing football snapping devices are used, then snapping function is provided, but storage capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit - the main body serves both as the snapping mechanism housing and as a storage compartment for the football, eliminating the need for separate storage equipment and reducing overall system complexity despite increased versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure serves multiple purposes: the main body houses the snapping mechanism, provides storage space for the ball, and when configured with extended legs, creates a stable platform - this multi-functionality achieves storage capability without proportionally increasing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing football snapping devices are used, then under-center snap simulation is provided, but shotgun snap simulation is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamically adjustable components including extendable legs and reconfigurable support structures that can be positioned to create different geometric configurations, enabling the same basic device to simulate both under-center and shotgun snap trajectories without requiring multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of key geometric parameters such as leg extension length, support angle, and platform height, which changes the snap simulation characteristics between under-center and shotgun styles - this parameter adjustability provides versatility while maintaining a single device structure
4Extent of automation
If existing football snapping devices are used, then manual operation is possible, but automatic operation capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an automatic release mechanism that can be triggered by various inputs (manual, mechanical, electronic, sound, or remote), allowing the system to service itself by automatically releasing the football without requiring constant human intervention, thus increasing automation extent while keeping the trigger mechanism integrated and manageable
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
Enables solo quarterbacks to practice snaps and throws at various locations without additional assistance, providing portable, efficient, and versatile snap simulation for under-center and shotgun techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded arm that supports a football on a cradle. The spring-loaded arm translates from a lowered position to a hiked position so as to simulate actual movement of the football during a snap
Implementation Method 2
launching or 'snapping' the ball in a spiral to the quarterback
Data Source
AI summary
A portable automatic football snapper may be built as a tube to launch football snaps while being lightweight and able to be carried by handle, shoulder-strap, or clipped onto another backpack. The snapper is small and can store a football within, and, when stood upright, may serve as a stand for a football placed on top to simulate an “under center” exchange. A stand built into a side of the bag extends to establish a base and ideal snap angle for shotgun snap use. Inside the snapper, a cup may be used to hold the football, may be pulled down and clipped into a pre-snap position, and upon release is pulled upwards, launching or “snapping” the ball in a spiral to the quarterback. The release may be manual, automatic based on a mechanical or electronic timer, or sound-activated or remote controlled allowing snap control by the quarterback.