Retractable Ball Rebounder with Adjustable Tension and Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball rebounder devices are cumbersome, unsuitable for various ball sizes and densities, difficult to set up and store, and often damage surrounding structures due to their design and material degradation from exposure to elements.
Innovation Solution
A retractable ball rebounding system with an adjustable tension and angle feature, supported by a cable frame that requires only two connection points, allowing for easy deployment and storage, and can be mounted over a garage door or in various spaces, including indoor settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional freestanding yard bounce back device is used, then the ball rebounding function is provided, but the device is cumbersome to move and store, and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a rebounding surface component and a support frame component that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The support frame includes collapsible legs that can be folded together, allowing the device to be easily transported and stored while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame legs are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, similar to nested dolls. This allows the entire support structure to be compacted into a small package for easy storage and transport, while expanding to provide full support when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If the bounce back surface is left outdoors unprotected, then it is readily accessible for use, but the materials prematurely wear out or lose performance due to exposure to elements
Solution Approach 1:
The rebounding surface uses a composite material construction with a UV-resistant polymer coating over a high-tensile mesh core. This composite structure provides both outdoor weather resistance and the necessary elastic rebound properties, allowing the device to remain accessible outdoors without premature degradation from sun exposure.
3Reliability
If the bounce back frame is stored in a garage or shed, then it is protected from elements, but it takes up an inordinate amount of space and is clumsy to store
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame legs are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, similar to nested dolls. This allows the entire support structure to be compacted into a small package for easy storage, reducing the space required in garages or sheds while maintaining protection from elements.
4Reliability
If the bounce back surface is tensioned to provide desired bounce back effect, then the rebounding performance is improved, but the tensioning mechanism becomes complex and difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning mechanism uses adjustable webbing straps with ratchet tensioners that allow for simple parameter adjustment. By changing the tension parameter through straightforward mechanical adjustment rather than complex mechanisms, the system achieves optimal rebound performance while maintaining ease of setup and adjustment.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the angle of the bounce back screen is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but the device cannot adapt to different sports and practice scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame incorporates adjustable leg angles and pivot points that allow the rebounding surface to be dynamically repositioned to various angles. This dynamic adjustability enables the same device to adapt to different sports requirements and practice scenarios without adding excessive mechanical complexity.
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 system provides a versatile and durable solution for rebounding various types of balls, minimizing space usage and protecting surrounding structures while maintaining consistent performance across different ball sizes and densities.
Implementation Method 1
A retractable ball rebounding system with an adjustable tension and angle feature, supported by a cable frame
Implementation Method 2
generally consist of an elastic or tensioned netting or screen which serves as the bounce back surface
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable ball return system having a rebounding surface that is retractable on a roll back into a reel assembly housing, which housing is mountable above a garage door opening or in an open space such as a gymnasium. The rebounding apparatus includes an integrated cable support structure, which is securable at its lower corners to attachment members mounted to the garage door frame. The door frame attachments have a plurality of different connection points which allow the rebounding surface to be secured at different degrees of angle, from angling forward to angling back, or centered in the middle for a perpendicular setting. Once connected, the support cable is retracted, either manually or mechanically, to pull the cable taught, to allow for a strong support structure. The rebounding surface is also then retracted until it has a desired tension level to allow the rebounding surface to be used with different balls as well as to adjust the different performance levels with the same ball.