Practice Ball Off-Axis Weight Wobble Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Players in ball sports often lose focus during extensive and repetitive training sessions, leading to suboptimal skill development due to the lack of individual attention and the need for sustained concentration on the ball's path, which can result in errors like fumbles or dropped balls.

Innovation Solution

A practice ball with off-axis weights that cause a wobble in flight, requiring increased focus and attention from players, thereby enhancing training effectiveness and translating to improved performance in actual games by preventing costly mistakes such as knock-ons or dropped balls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a practice ball uses standard uniform weight distribution, then the ball provides consistent flight characteristics, but the player loses focus during repetitive training sessions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistent flight characteristicsVSAvoidplayer focus during training
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning weights off the centerline of the ball's flight path. This creates an uneven weight distribution that generates deliberate wobble during flight, forcing players to maintain focus and track the ball's unpredictable trajectory, thereby resolving the contradiction between consistency and player engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If off-axis weights are added to create wobble, then player focus is maintained, but the ball's flight path becomes unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer focus during trainingVSAvoidflight path predictability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamics by using movable weights that can shift position within the ball during flight. This dynamic weight redistribution creates variable wobble patterns that adapt during flight, maintaining player focus while introducing controlled unpredictability to the trajectory

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If weights are positioned to enhance balance, then the ball has improved weight distribution, but the flight characteristics are negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight distributionVSAvoidflight characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning weights at specific off-center locations rather than distributing them uniformly. This localized placement creates targeted imbalances that generate beneficial wobble for training purposes while minimizing negative impacts on overall flight characteristics and speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 practice ball with off-axis weights maintains player focus and concentration, improving ball handling skills by simulating a more challenging and dynamic training environment, thus reducing errors and enhancing overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

A practice ball with off-axis weights that cause a wobble in flight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWobble: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3413985B1Practice ball
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 GORDON SPORTS LLC
  • EP3413985B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3413985B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3413985B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a practice ball having an off-axis weight distribution. This allows sportspeople to practice their ball catching, passing and other skills using a ball that flies through the air with a wobbly trajectory.