Spherical Object Receiver With Curved Friction Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports and recreation activities that involve propelling spherical objects, such as golf or marbles, require costly and cumbersome practice setups, often necessitating travel to facilities and extensive setup or retrieval of targets.
Innovation Solution
A portable target and object receiving device comprising a base portion, an upper portion, and a separator with coupling mechanisms, featuring curved surfaces and friction materials to stop spherical objects from 360 degrees, allowing for customizable and adjustable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional practice facilities and targets are used for sports practice, then practice effectiveness is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device is divided into separate modular components including a base portion, upper portion, and separator that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the complex function of receiving spherical objects from multiple angles to be achieved through simple, separate parts rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving device is designed to receive spherical objects from 360 degrees through its geometric configuration, making it universally applicable to multiple sports and recreation activities involving spherical objects. The same device can practice golf, tennis, marbles, or other ball sports without requiring different specialized equipment for each activity.
2Reliability
If traditional practice facilities are used, then proper target reception is achieved, but time consumption and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device is designed to be self-contained and portable, allowing users to set up practice stations at home or any location without requiring travel to specialized facilities. The device includes all necessary components (base, upper portion, separator) that can be quickly assembled and used immediately, eliminating travel time and extensive setup requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device geometry is pre-configured with curved surfaces and proper spacing between components to automatically stop spherical objects of various sizes. This preliminary design ensures that no additional adjustment or setup is needed during practice sessions - the device is ready to receive and stop objects immediately upon assembly.
3Reliability
If friction materials are added to stop spherical objects, then object stopping capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Friction materials are applied only to specific localized areas on the base portion and upper portion where spherical objects make contact during stopping. This selective application provides the necessary friction capability only where needed, rather than covering entire surfaces, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable object stopping.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines different materials with complementary properties - structural components provide mechanical strength and geometry, while friction materials (such as rubber, foam, or textured surfaces) are integrated into contact areas to enhance grip and stopping capability. This composite approach achieves reliable object stopping through material properties rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
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 cost-effective and portable solution for practicing sports by allowing spherical objects to be stopped between the base and upper portions, enabling efficient practice without the need for extensive facilities or target setup, and accommodating various spherical object sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of: (i) the bottom surface of the upper portion includes a bottom surface friction portion configured to increase friction between the friction portion and a spherical object contacting the friction portion; and (ii) the top surface of the base portion includes a top surface friction portion configured to increase friction between the spherical object contacting the friction portion
Data Source
AI summary
A target and object receiving device that includes a base portion having an outer edge and a lower coupling area disposed on a top surface of the base portion. An upper portion is spaced vertically from the base portion and includes an outer edge and an upper coupling area disposed on a bottom surface of the upper portion. A separator extends vertically from the lower coupling area to the upper coupling area. Either: (a) the top surface of the base portion approaches the bottom surface of the upper portion as the top surface extends from the outer edge of the base portion toward the lower coupling area; or (b) the bottom surface of the upper portion approaches the top surface of the base portion as the bottom surface of the upper portion extends from the outer edge of the base portion toward the upper coupling area.