Segmented Ball Collector With Nestable Tubes for Compact Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ball collection devices are limited in versatility and structural simplicity, lacking the ability to convey information and serve multiple functions such as transport and packaging efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising multiple tubular elements that can be assembled to form a base body with integrated information, allowing easy transportation when disassembled and serving as a ball holder with a retaining mechanism, and capable of forming a coherent overall message when assembled.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the base body is made as a single long tubular structure to collect balls without bending, then the ball collection function is improved, but the device becomes difficult to transport and store

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveball collection functionVSAvoidtransport and storage difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is divided into multiple tubular elements (first tubular element, second tubular element, etc.) that can be assembled together to form the complete ball collection device. When not in use, these elements can be disassembled and nested within each other, reducing the overall length and making transportation and storage easier while maintaining the full length capability when assembled for ball collection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the tubular elements are made telescopic to reduce transport size, then the transport efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular elements are designed to be nested within each other during transportation, with smaller diameter elements placed inside larger diameter elements. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces the transport footprint and improves transport efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple structural design without requiring complex telescopic mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of information

If information is displayed on the base body to provide guidance, then the information conveyance function is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation conveyanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information display function is merged with the existing tubular elements by printing or attaching information elements directly onto the surface of the tubes. This approach conveys necessary information (such as orientation guidance or instructional text) without adding separate display devices or complex structural modifications, maintaining simplicity while improving information conveyance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4110480B1Device for collecting balls
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 GUTPERLE-BOEHRINGER ASTRID
  • EP4110480B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4110480B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4110480B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for collecting balls (1), for example tennis balls, golf balls, etc., comprising at least two tube elements (2a, 2b), wherein: the tube elements (2a, 2b) can be combined to form a main body (3); the main body (3) comprises a loading opening (6) for the balls (1); the tube elements (2a, 2b) each have a piece of written and/or pictorial partial information (4a, 4b); and the pieces of partial information (4a, 4b) form a complete piece of information (5) when the tube elements (2a, 2b) are combined.