Multi-directional Roller Ball for 360-Degree Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push broom-style ball collectors lack maneuverability and ease of use, making it difficult to efficiently collect balls in various directions.
Innovation Solution
A push broom-type ball collector featuring a multi-directional center roller ball, adjustable handle, and strategically positioned arms and rollers that allow for 360-degree movement and easy direction changes, combined with a ball shield to deflect external objects and maintain ball capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional push broom-style ball collectors are used, then ball collection function is provided, but maneuverability and ease of rotation are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wheeled support with a spherical roller ball mechanism. The roller ball allows the device to rotate and move in any direction by rolling on its surface, providing 360-degree maneuverability. This spherical support structure eliminates the directional limitations of fixed-wheel designs while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic support system where the roller ball can freely rotate and reposition itself based on the direction of applied force. The handle can be positioned at various angles, and the roller ball automatically adapts its orientation to facilitate movement in any direction, making the device highly adaptable to different operational needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-directional roller ball is used, then maneuverability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller ball serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a support element, a rotational joint, a bearing, and a maneuvering mechanism. This single component enables the device to perform ball collection, directional changing, and positioning functions, eliminating the need for separate mechanical systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller ball mechanism is self-adjusting and requires no external control systems. It automatically adapts its position and orientation based on the force applied by the user, providing self-steering capability. The handle naturally guides the roller ball into the correct position for movement in any desired direction.
3Reliability
If ball shield is added to deflect external objects, then ball capture reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball shield is implemented as a flexible, curved barrier that deflects incoming balls toward the collection area. The shield's geometry is designed to naturally guide balls into the capture zone using smooth surfaces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical deflection mechanisms or multiple rigid components.
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 device enables effortless and versatile ball collection across different surfaces, effectively capturing balls in any direction with reduced rotational friction, even for heavier balls, enhancing user mobility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
reduced rotational friction
Implementation Method 2
ball shield to deflect external objects
Data Source
AI summary
A ball collection device, including a handle; a first tube segment and a second tube segment coupled substantially perpendicularly to the handle; a multi-directional roller ball coupled to the first and second tube segments; a crossbar coupled to the handle adjacent and substantially parallel to the first and second tube segments; a first arm coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular from the first tube segment; a first wing extending from the first arm that is configured to deflect objects downward; a second arm coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular from the second tube segment; a second wing extending from the second arm that is configured to deflect objects downward; and at least one roller rotatably mounted on each of the first and second tube segments and the crossbar.