Multi-Sports Return Net With U-Shape Pillow And Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports net systems are not portable, require specific configurations for different sports, and often necessitate user movement to retrieve returned balls or disks, lacking efficiency in returning projectiles directly to the user.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sports ball/disk return net system featuring a frame with interconnectable tubular members and a net forming a U-shape pillow and channel, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, which consistently returns projectiles to the user by funneling them through a central discharge point, suitable for various sports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rectangular frame with a flat net is used, then the net system is simple to manufacture, but the ball/disk is not returned directly to the user and requires constant user movement to retrieve
Solution Approach 1:
The net is configured with a curved, pocket-shaped structure that uses gravity and geometry to automatically return balls and disks directly to the user. The curved surfaces guide projectiles back toward the user without requiring additional active mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the user actively retrieve balls as in traditional flat net systems, the net structure itself passively returns balls to the user through its inverted pocket configuration. This inverts the traditional interaction model where the user must move to catch balls, and instead the ball is delivered back to the user's position.
2Ease of operation
If a pocket-shaped net with chutes is used, then the ball return function is improved, but the system becomes difficult to transport and assemble due to extraneous structures
Solution Approach 1:
The net structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the catching surface, the guiding mechanism, and the return pathway all in one integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate chutes and complex assembly structures, making the system both effective at ball return and simple to manufacture and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the ball collection pocket and the return pathway into a single integrated net structure. The U-shape configuration combines the receptacle function with the directional guidance function, eliminating the need for separate structural components and simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If lightweight net with large holes is used, then the net is easy to manufacture, but it is not appropriate for multiple different types of sports balls/disks
Solution Approach 1:
The net features variable hole sizes and densities in different regions to accommodate different sports equipment. The upper portion has larger holes suitable for baseballs and soccer balls, while the lower pocket area has smaller, denser mesh for catching and returning smaller objects like golf balls and disks, providing multi-sports versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The net structure incorporates varying mesh parameters (hole size, density, and material weight) throughout its surface area. This gradient in parameters allows a single net to effectively handle different types and weights of sports balls and disks, maintaining adaptability across multiple sports while remaining manufacturable.
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 enables efficient and direct return of balls or disks to users across multiple sports, reducing user effort and enabling practice without the need for constant retrieval, while being easily transportable and adaptable to different sports.
Implementation Method 1
A ball/disk propelled into the U-shape pillow drops down to the U-shape channel, which funnels the ball to the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel for discharge toward the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-sports ball/disk return net system and a method thereof that consistently returns a ball/disk hit, kick, thrown or struck into it back toward a user and that is portable and easy to assemble and disassemble. The multi-sports ball/disk return net system has a frame and a net mounted on or across the frame. The net forms an upper U-shape forward bulging pillow having a square net pattern and a lower U-shape channel or hammock with the square pattern at the opposite ends of the U-shape channel being skewed to become diamond shapes. The net is configured to cause a projectile propelled into the U-shape pillow to drop down to the U-shape channel, which funnels the ball to the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel for discharge toward the user.