Resilient Dampening System for Sports Protective Field Screens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective field screens in sports are inadequate as they can be damaged by direct impacts and may deflect balls, posing risks to individuals and equipment.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a resilient dampening system with elastomeric members between the base frame and screen frame allows for movement and deformation, enhancing impact absorption and reducing the risk of frame damage, thereby improving durability and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protective field screens are formed of netting strung about a frame, then the netting can absorb impacts of balls, but balls that strike the frame may damage the frame or deflect off the frame and strike persons or equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorption capabilityVSAvoidframe durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing resilient members between the frame and the ground before impacts occur. These resilient members act as pre-positioned shock absorbers that cushion impacts to the frame, preventing damage before it can occur. The resilient members deform under impact loads, absorbing energy and protecting the frame from direct ball strikes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient members serve as intermediaries between the frame and the ground. Instead of the frame directly contacting the ground and absorbing impacts, the resilient members mediate this interaction. They deform elastically under impact, absorbing shock and preventing direct transmission of forces to the frame, thus protecting both the frame and the netting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the frame is made rigid to provide stable support, then structural stability is improved, but the frame becomes more susceptible to damage from direct ball impacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe stabilityVSAvoidframe vulnerability to impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient members provide beforehand cushioning that protects the rigid frame from impact damage. By positioning these shock-absorbing elements between the frame and the ground beforehand, the system maintains frame rigidity for stability while preventing direct impact transmission to the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient members act as intermediaries that decouple the rigid frame from direct ground contact. This intermediary layer allows the frame to maintain its rigid, stable structure while the resilient members absorb impact energies, preventing harmful forces from reaching the frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the screen frame is fixed to the base frame to prevent movement, then structural stability is improved, but impact energy is not effectively absorbed, reducing protection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen frame stabilityVSAvoidimpact absorption effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing a fixed connection with a dynamic, movable connection through resilient members. The screen frame can move relative to the base frame in response to impacts, allowing the system to absorb impact energy through movement rather than rigidly resisting it. This dynamic behavior enhances impact absorption while maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient members change the mechanical parameters of the connection between the screen frame and base frame. Instead of a rigid, fixed connection, the resilient members provide elastic deformation capability. This parameter change allows the system to absorb impact energy through elastic deformation while maintaining stability during normal operation.

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 enhanced dampening system effectively absorbs the energy of incoming balls, preventing damage to the frame and ensuring safer deflection or absorption, thus enhancing the overall safety and durability of the field screen.

Implementation Method 1

the resilient members may deform to facilitate movement (e.g., pivoting) of the screen frame (and the protective netting) relative to the base frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The movement may provide dampening that enhances the field screen's ability to absorb impacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11617933B2Protective field screen

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 PULLEY PHIL MR

AI summary

A protective field screen system that includes a screen frame system (including a screen frame and a protective screen that includes a netting coupled to the screen frame), a base frame to be disposed on a supporting surface, and resilient members. The screen frame coupled to the base frame by way of the resilient members, and the resilient members to deform to facilitate movement of the screen frame relative to the base frame.