Ratchet Cam Mechanism for Basketball Backboard Height Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable basketball backboard systems are complex and difficult for individuals of various heights and skill levels to use, especially small children, due to the need for precise manual disengagement of locking mechanisms and ratchets, which can be discouraging.
Innovation Solution
A ratchet and cam system that allows incremental height adjustment of a basketball backboard using a simple pole or device, where an upward force automatically disengages the pawl from the ratchet teeth, enabling easy lowering and raising without manual locking mechanism disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional ratchet system with pawl and teeth is used, then the backboard can be ratcheted up incrementally, but the system becomes complex and requires precise manual disengagement of the pawl to lower the backboard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional ratchet operation by using a cam mechanism that automatically disengages the pawl from the ratchet teeth when upward force is applied. Instead of requiring manual pawl disengagement to lower the backboard, the cam design allows the pawl to automatically release when the backboard is pushed upward, simplifying the operation while maintaining incremental adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cam and pawl mechanism is designed to automatically disengage the locking mechanism when upward force is applied during height adjustment. The cam profile is configured so that as the backboard moves upward, the cam automatically pushes the pawl away from the ratchet teeth, eliminating the need for manual intervention to release the lock and making the system self-servicing
2Ease of operation
If a long pole is used to disengage the pawl, then the backboard can be lowered, but the positioning of the pole on the small pawl target becomes difficult especially when the backboard is at the highest position
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism automatically performs the pawl disengagement action when upward force is applied during normal height adjustment operation. The user simply needs to push the backboard upward, and the cam automatically pushes the pawl away from the ratchet teeth, eliminating the need for separate pole positioning and manual disengagement operations
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to manually position a pole on a small pawl target to disengage the mechanism, the patent inverts the approach by having the cam automatically perform the disengagement when upward force is applied during the normal height adjustment process
3Reliability
If multiple moving parts are used to control movement and lock the backboard, then the backboard can be adjusted and locked reliably, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cam mechanism with the existing ratchet and pawl assembly, integrating multiple functions into a unified mechanism. The cam is positioned within the existing structure and works in conjunction with the pawl and ratchet teeth, combining the locking, unlocking, and position maintenance functions into a single integrated mechanism rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The cam and pawl mechanism is designed to automatically disengage the locking mechanism when upward force is applied during height adjustment. The cam profile is configured so that as the backboard moves upward, the cam automatically pushes the pawl away from the ratchet teeth, eliminating the need for manual intervention to release the lock and making the system self-servicing
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 quick and easy height adjustments of a basketball backboard system, reducing complexity and effort required, making it accessible to users of all heights and skill levels, including children.
Implementation Method 1
a cam mechanism that transforms mechanical energy from upward force on the backboard into motion that disengages the pawl from the ratchet teeth
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet mechanism that converts upward force into incremental height adjustment by allowing motion in one direction while preventing reverse motion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to a system and method for adjusting the height of a basketball backboard assembly. The present invention includes a releasable locking mechanism connected to the backboard assembly to lock the backboard at a selected vertical height above a playing surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the releasable locking mechanism may include a ratchet and cam, the ratchet having a plurality of ratchet teeth configured to engage with a pawl. A cam may be configured to allow a user to incrementally increase the height of the backboard using the releasable locking mechanism and may further be configured to prevent the releasable locking mechanism locking the backboard at any height when a user desires to decrease the height of the backboard.