See-Through Game Table with Channel-Like Space for Indoor Leg Exercise

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of indoor game equipment designed for exercising legs through playing ball games, particularly for individuals with limited leg mobility or restricted ability to stand, as existing equipment is either too space-intensive or hazardous for indoor use and primarily focused on hand-based games.

Innovation Solution

A game table with a see-through table top surface and channel-like game space that allows players to play ball games with their legs while preventing the ball from escaping, featuring adjustable and detachable side walls and support structures to accommodate various player configurations and mobility levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional indoor game equipment is used for hand-based games, then the game can be played indoors, but it does not provide leg exercise functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame functionalityVSAvoidleg exercise capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The game table is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides a surface for traditional hand-based games while simultaneously enabling leg exercise through integrated channels and openings. The table top structure with channels allows balls to be rolled along the surface using legs, combining exercise functionality with game play in a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The table top is segmented into distinct functional zones including channels for ball movement, openings for leg access, and exercise areas. This segmentation allows different parts of the table to serve specific purposes - some areas for hand games, others for leg exercise, enabling versatile functionality without compromising ease of operation for either type of play.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If large space is provided for ball games, then players can move freely, but it becomes dangerous and space-intensive for indoor use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame spaceVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The game space is merged with the table structure itself. Channels are integrated into the table top, and side walls are incorporated as part of the table framework. This merging creates a compact game environment that provides sufficient space for ball movement and leg exercise while maintaining indoor safety by containing the play area within the table boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side walls forming the channels may be made from flexible or resilient materials that can absorb impacts and prevent dangerous collisions. These flexible barriers contain the ball within the game space while reducing the risk of injury from ball or leg movements, enabling safe indoor play with adequate movement space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If the table top surface is solid and opaque, then the structure is simple and stable, but players cannot see through it to the underside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable structureVSAvoidvisibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The table top surface has different optical properties in different areas. Certain portions are made transparent or translucent to allow visibility through the table, while other areas remain opaque for structural stability. This local differentiation enables players to see through the table for exercise feedback while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The table top is constructed using composite materials that combine transparent and opaque sections. This allows the table to simultaneously provide structural stability through opaque support areas and visual feedback through transparent game areas, resolving the contradiction between stability and visibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If the game table is designed for full mobility, then it accommodates able-bodied players, but it excludes people with limited leg mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer compatibilityVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The game table incorporates adjustable and movable components including height-adjustable legs, removable side walls, and flexible channels. These dynamic features allow the table configuration to be adapted to different mobility levels - able-bodied players can use the standard configuration while players with limited mobility can adjust the height and access through modified configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The table allows changes in key parameters such as height, channel configuration, and side wall positioning. By adjusting these parameters, the game table can accommodate various mobility levels - lower heights for wheelchair users, modified channel angles for limited leg movement, and adjustable openings for different body positions, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3737261B1Game table and game equipment
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 4 FEET UNDER OY
  • EP3737261B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3737261B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3737261B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a game table (2) and to a game equipment (6) for playing a ball game with legs. The game table (2) comprises a table top structure (20) with a see-through table top surface. The table top structure (20) has a first and second table top ends (27, 29) and a first and second table top sides (24, 26) extending between the first and second table top ends (27, 29). The game table (2) further comprises a first table side wall (30) and a second table side wall (32) extending downwards from the table top structure (20). The first and second table side walls (30, 32) being arranged to form a channel-like game space (100) together with the table top structure (20), the channel-like game space (100) having a first opening (102) and a second opening (104) at opposite ends of the channel-like game space (100).