Soccer Training Device Hinge Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional soccer ball kicking training devices restrict user training to specific positions, limiting the ability to practice kicking techniques with the middle part of the instep and suffer from a restricted joint area that can cause safety risks and hinder smooth ball rotation, failing to simulate actual game scenarios effectively.

Innovation Solution

A soccer ball kicking training device with a hinge mechanism that allows the arm and attached ball to pivot and rotate freely, adjustable to various heights and angles, incorporating an anti-pinch slider to prevent user injury, and enabling the ball to simulate spinning motion, thus enhancing training realism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the joint area between the bracket or socket and the rod is restricted by the inner diameter of the hole for insertion of the rod, then the structure is simplified, but the movement range of the rod is relatively small and the rod cannot move smoothly during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidmovement range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The joint area is divided into two separate components: the rod with its hole and the bracket or socket. This segmentation allows the rod to rotate smoothly within the bracket without being constrained by the inner diameter of the hole, thereby increasing the movement range while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The joint area is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The rod can rotate freely within the bracket, and the entire arm can pivot at various angles. This dynamic design enables smooth movement during rotation and allows the ball to simulate actual spinning motion, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the joint area is restricted by the inner diameter of the hole, then the structure is simpler, but additional differences compared with actual field training occur, causing a detrimental impact on the training effort

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidtraining effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The joint area is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The rod can rotate freely within the bracket, and the entire arm can pivot at various angles. This dynamic design enables smooth movement during rotation and allows the ball to simulate actual spinning motion, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the members connecting with and supporting the balls are generally fixedly attached or positioned on the base, then the device structure is simplified, but the users can only be trained in the positions strictly restricted by the mechanical operation of the device

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidtraining position flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The arm is designed with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing it to pivot at various angles and rotate freely. This dynamic design enables the ball to be positioned at multiple locations and orientations, providing training flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a single arm component that can perform multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The arm serves multiple functions: it can be positioned at various angles, rotated to different orientations, and used for different kicking techniques. This multi-functionality allows a single structural component to provide versatile training capabilities, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and training position flexibility.

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

4Ease of operation

If the rod is rotatably mounted in the hole of the rod, then the ball can rotate, but the joint area is exposed and may pinch the user presenting a possible safety risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveball rotationVSAvoidsafety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cover is introduced as an intermediary component that encloses the joint area between the rod and bracket. This cover protects the user from pinching hazards while allowing the rod to rotate freely within the bracket, thereby maintaining ball rotation capability while eliminating the safety risk associated with exposed joint areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a more realistic training experience by allowing users to practice kicking techniques with the middle part of the instep and reduces safety risks through improved joint design, enhancing overall training effectiveness and user safety.

Implementation Method 1

The hinge mechanism (21) supports the arm (9) for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal, third axis (23) relative to the upright column (5) and the first axis (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The arm (9) further has a rotational mechanism (25) for permitting the first end portion (13) of the arm (9) with the ball (17) attached to it to rotate relative to the second end portion (15) about the arm's second axis (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP3509713B1Soccer ball kicking training device
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 OHLE ROBERT D
  • EP3509713B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3509713B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3509713B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A soccer ball kicking training device (1) having a support base (3) with a column member (5) extending substantially vertically upright therefrom along a first axis (7) and an arm (9) extending outwardly along a second axis (11) between first and second end portions (13,15). The first end portion (13) has a ball (17) attached to it and the second end portion (15) is attached to a hinge mechanism (21) mounted to an upper part (5') of the upright column (5). The hinge mechanism (21) supports the arm (9) for pivotal movement about a horizontal third axis (23) relative to the upright column (5) and the first axis (7). The hinge mechanism (21 ) additionally includes an inclination angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the up and down angle range of the arm (9) about the horizontal third axis (23) and the device (1) also provides an anti-pinch arrangement for safety.