Rotatable Goal Post with Hinged Base for Multi-Sport Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing football goal posts are rigid and lack the ability to be easily rotated or adjusted for different sports or field configurations, limiting their versatility and safety during game transitions.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable and hinged goal post design that includes a cross member, uprights, a support member with a hinge and rotatable device, and an actuator, allowing the goal post to be rotated 180-degrees and pivoted about a hinge, enabling it to be positioned vertically or lowered to the ground, accommodating different sports and field layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid and permanently fixed goal post structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but versatility for different sports and field configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The goal post structure is transformed from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system. The gooseneck support member is made rotatable about a vertical axis and hinged at the base, allowing the uprights and crossbar to be repositioned between multiple orientations (football configuration, soccer configuration, and storage positions). This dynamic capability enables the same structure to adapt to different sports requirements while maintaining structural integrity during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable mechanism is added to allow rotation about a vertical axis, then versatility for different sports is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation and hinging functions are merged into a single integrated gooseneck support member assembly. The rotatable mechanism and hinged connection are combined in one structural unit rather than being separate add-on components. This integration reduces the overall number of parts, simplifies the mechanical system, and lowers complexity while still achieving the desired rotational and articulating capabilities for multi-sport use.
3Ease of operation
If an actuator is added to enable controlled pivoting and rotation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The goal post system incorporates a self-servicing actuation mechanism where the actuator is integrated directly into the gooseneck support member assembly. The actuator automatically engages and disengages with the rotational and hinging mechanisms through the natural movement of the structure itself, eliminating the need for separate control linkages, sensors, or complex actuation systems. This self-service approach provides controlled movement while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Rotatable and hinged goal posts are operably rotatable so that the goal post may rotated to a first position with the uprights being disposed toward a playing field such as for use when playing football, and to second position where the uprights being disposed away from the playing field such as for use when playing soccer. In addition, the rotatable and hinged goal posts are operably pivotable from a raised orientation and a lowered orientation, and vice versa.