Elastic Inelastic Tether Solo Sport Training Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solo practice sport training devices with tethered sports balls do not provide a realistic return flight trajectory due to lack of gravity influence, failing to mimic actual gameplay dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A sport training tool featuring a tether with both elastic and inelastic lengths, where the elastic length is proximate the anchor point and the inelastic length is attached to the sports ball, providing a true return flight trajectory by balancing contraction force and gravity influence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an elastic tether is used to return the sports ball, then the ball can be retrieved automatically, but the return flight trajectory is not realistic due to lack of gravity influence
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is divided into two distinct segments: an elastic first length and an inelastic second length. The elastic portion provides automatic retrieval through elastic recovery, while the inelastic portion provides a rigid guide that constrains the ball to follow a realistic parabolic trajectory influenced by gravity, eliminating the unrealistic straight-line return of fully elastic tethers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the tether have different mechanical properties. The proximal portion (elastic first length) provides flexibility and energy storage for automatic retrieval, while the distal portion (inelastic second length) provides structural rigidity to guide the ball along a gravity-influenced arc, creating local functional differentiation within the single tether component.
2Reliability
If a fully inelastic tether is used, then the return flight trajectory is realistic, but the ball cannot be automatically retrieved
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is segmented into elastic and inelastic portions, where the inelastic second length near the ball provides realistic trajectory guidance, while the elastic first length near the anchor provides automatic retrieval through elastic rebound, combining both functions in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of two separate tethers (one fully elastic for retrieval, one fully inelastic for trajectory guidance) into a single composite tether with graduated properties, where the transition from elastic to inelastic material along the tether length integrates both functionalities seamlessly.
3Extent of automation
If the elastic length is too long, then automatic retrieval is enhanced, but the return trajectory becomes less realistic due to excessive elastic influence
Solution Approach 1:
The tether implements local quality differentiation where the elastic properties are concentrated in the first length near the anchor point, and inelastic properties dominate in the second length near the ball. This spatial distribution of material properties ensures that elastic retrieval force is applied primarily at the anchor, while the ball's flight path is guided by the inelastic portion to follow a realistic gravity-influenced trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the tether from uniform elasticity to a gradient structure, where the elastic modulus transitions from high (elastic) in the first length to low (inelastic) in the second length. This parameter change allows optimization of both retrieval efficiency and trajectory realism by controlling where elastic forces are applied along the tether length.
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 tool effectively replicates a realistic return flight trajectory, enhancing training realism by synergistically combining elastic and inelastic tether lengths to manage ball movement, ensuring accurate and natural ball return paths.
Implementation Method 1
The tether is characterized by an elastic first length and an inelastic second length
Implementation Method 2
a realistic gravity influenced return flight trajectory
Data Source
AI summary
A solo practice sport training tool providing a true return flight trajectory of a sports ball. The tool comprises a tether anchored at a proximal end and attached to a sports ball at the distal end, wherein the tether has an clastic first length and an inelastic second length.