Sports Net Assembly Quick-Release Attachment System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports nets are cumbersome and time-consuming to set up and take down due to the need for complex knotting and attachment procedures, leading to entanglement and storage issues, which discourages users from fully disassembling the net for proper storage.
Innovation Solution
A sports net assembly with a net attachment and tensioning system that includes pole caps with hooks, cams for adjustable tension, and key locks for secure attachment and release of net cords and guy-ropes, simplifying setup and teardown by allowing easy adjustment and secure attachment without knots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knotting and attachment procedures are used to secure the net to support poles, then the net can be securely attached during game play, but the setup and teardown process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the knotting function from the net attachment system and replaces it with a quick-release mechanism. The net cords are equipped with quick-release buckles that can be rapidly engaged and disengaged from the support poles, eliminating the time-consuming knotting and untying processes while maintaining secure attachment during gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from a friction-based knotting system to a mechanical quick-release buckle system. This parameter change in the attachment method allows for rapid engagement and disengagement, significantly reducing setup and teardown time while ensuring reliable net security during use.
2Loss of time
If the net is left attached to the poles after use to save time, then setup time for the next use is reduced, but the net becomes entangled with guy-ropes and other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the net from the support poles using the quick-release attachment mechanism, allowing complete separation of the net from the pole assembly. This enables users to store the net independently without it becoming entangled with guy-ropes or other components, while the quick-release feature ensures this separation can be done rapidly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the net assembly into separate components that can be independently stored. The net, poles, guy-ropes, and tensioning mechanisms can be separated and stored individually, preventing entanglement while allowing quick reassembly for subsequent uses.
3Reliability
If traditional attachment methods are used, then the net can be secured to the poles, but adjusting and maintaining net tension during game play becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic tensioning mechanisms that allow for easy adjustment of net tension during gameplay. The system includes adjustable tensioning devices with movable components that can be quickly repositioned to tighten or loosen the net as needed, maintaining optimal tension without requiring complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-adjusting tensioning mechanisms that automatically maintain net tension through spring-loaded or elastic elements. These mechanisms provide continuous tension adjustment without requiring manual intervention, ensuring the net remains properly tensioned throughout gameplay while simplifying operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A sports net assembly and method of assembling a sports net assembly. The sports net assembly includes a pair of poles spaced a distance apart and positioned substantially vertically. A net having opposing ends is positioned between the spaced apart substantially vertical poles. The top net cord is secured to a cam that is slidably movable along a length of the poles to increase and decrease the tension on the top net cord thereby increasing and decreasing sag in the net between the poles. The bottom net cords and guy-ropes may be releasably secured to the poles with a key lock.