Portable Net System with Composite Bow and Cam-Lock Tensioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable net systems for sports like pickleball are heavy, difficult to assemble and disassemble, prone to damage, and have issues with net tension management, making them challenging for elderly players and those with limited load-carrying capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable net system designed as a tension-strung bow with carbon or glass fiber composite members, featuring a cam-lock mechanism for adjustable net tension, folding base feet for stability and easy setup, and a mid-foot support for precise net height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional portable net systems use mild steel cross-members and vertical posts, then structural strength and durability are improved, but weight increases to 15-20 kg making them difficult for elderly players to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining carbon fiber or glass fiber reinforcement with polymer matrix materials to create net components that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the net to maintain structural integrity while reducing weight from 15-20 kg to under 7 kg, making it manageable for elderly players.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from traditional mild steel to composite materials with optimized fiber-to-matrix ratios. This parameter change achieves both weight reduction and maintained strength, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and weight.
2Ease of operation
If traditional net systems use swaged-end tubes with male-female fitted connections, then assembly is simplified, but reliability deteriorates due to difficulty in repairing damage from player steps or dropping pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible polymer matrix materials that can deform and absorb impact forces from player steps or dropping pieces. This flexibility prevents catastrophic failure of the connection points, improving reliability while maintaining ease of assembly through the same polymer-based connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements in the connection design that preemptively absorb impact forces before damage can occur to the structural integrity. This beforehand cushioning protects the swaged-end tube connections from damage caused by player steps or accidental drops.
3Ease of operation
If traditional net systems use vertical posts that cantilever upwards to support net tension, then net height adjustment is achieved, but net tension management becomes difficult and top tape does not exhibit constant tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic tension management by allowing the vertical posts to be adjustable in length rather than fixed. This enables the system to adapt to different playing conditions and maintain consistent net tension through controlled adjustment, resolving the contradiction between ease of height adjustment and tension consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through adjustable tensioning systems that allow players to monitor and adjust net tension in real-time. This feedback loop ensures consistent net tension across the top tape while maintaining ease of height adjustment through the same adjustable post system.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable net system for net games is disclosed which provides for rapid assembly, lightweight construction, durability against damage while assembling and playing, and also provides enhancements inherent in the design which allow for improved marketing and advertising during tournaments. The net functions through having a bow-shaped tensioning rod reacting against the net top-tape to provide primary shape, net tension and height control. A vertical post at each distal end is attached to the foldable feet to provide lateral stability, and these are attached to the net via insertion into the net end-band and durably connected via the rigid bow end-connectors. Removable end-panels at each end net termination provides for a self-tensioned surface where advertising and sponsor labels may be attached.