Segmented Disc Flag Release System for Consistent Pull Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flag release mechanisms in flag football and similar games lack consistency in coupling force, leading to differences in flag removal ease and sound production due to wear and design limitations, resulting in inconsistent player experiences.
Innovation Solution
A flag release system featuring a resilient cup-shaped socket with a post and plurality of discs or arms that create a consistent pull tension for flag detachment, providing a geometric cross-section socket and plug design for secure engagement and easy removal with a distinct 'pop' sound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid plug or ball is used in a rubber or plastic socket, then the flag can be securely retained, but the socket stretches and loosens with repeated use, making removal easier and reducing consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is segmented into multiple rigid discs arranged along a post, replacing the single solid plug. This segmentation prevents the socket from stretching and loosening, as the rigid discs maintain consistent engagement geometry throughout repeated use, ensuring uniform removal force and the characteristic pop sound.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines rigid disc elements with a resilient socket material. The rigid discs provide structural integrity and consistent engagement, while the resilient socket material allows for secure retention during normal use. This composite approach maintains reliable coupling force across multiple uses.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional flag release mechanisms are used, then flags can be attached to belts, but manufacturing limitations result in different coupling forces for each flag, affecting player experience
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented disc design allows for standardized manufacturing of individual disc components that can be precisely controlled. Each disc can be manufactured to tight tolerances, ensuring consistent coupling force across all flags. The modular nature simplifies quality control while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Ease of operation
If a resilient cup-shaped socket is used, then the flag can be easily attached, but the socket wears and loosens, diminishing the sound created by removal
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient socket is combined with segmented rigid discs that prevent wear-induced loosening. The segmentation maintains the geometric integrity of the engagement interface throughout the socket's service life, ensuring consistent coupling force and the characteristic pop sound are maintained over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of resilient socket material with rigid disc elements creates a composite system where the resilient material provides ease of attachment while the rigid discs prevent wear and maintain durability. This composite structure preserves both the ease of operation and the duration of action.
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 ensures consistent flag removal force and sound production across multiple flags and players, enhancing gameplay experience by maintaining engagement security and auditory feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The plug is retained to the socket by friction
Implementation Method 2
The socket, typically made of a rubber or plastic, can stretch and loosen because of the solid plug of same shape as the socket
Data Source
AI summary
A flag tag system for removable mating with a resilient cylindrical cup-shaped member defining a socket includes a flag retention frame connected to the flag, a post connected to the flag retention frame, and a plurality of discs or arms connected to the post, the plurality of discs or arms for mating with the socket. The flag tag system is for a flag football or similar tag game using a flag that is pulled by force to tag a player. A first device with the shaped member defining the socket is worn on a belt by the player. The plurality of discs or arms mates by pressing into the socket of the shaped member. The flag retention frame carries a flag. The plurality of discs or arms can provide select pull or force tension for grabbing the flag and thereby popping the discs or arms from engagement with the socket of the shaped member. Embodiments also include a buckle system of a plug with arms for snug connection to a socket.