Spring-Loaded Elevator for Sports Ball Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for loading and unloading sports balls require frequent stooping, making the process labor-intensive and inefficient, and there is a need for a portable, inexpensive, and easy-to-operate system that minimizes manual effort.
Innovation Solution
A sports ball loading and unloading apparatus featuring a spring-loaded elevator system within a nested container configuration, allowing the first container to be elevated for easy access and then compacted back into the second container for storage, with a handle for enhanced portability and a lid that doubles as a seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional container for sports balls is used, then the container is simple and inexpensive, but the user must stoop over repeatedly to access the balls, making the process labor-intensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a spring-loaded elevator mechanism that dynamically adjusts the height of the first container. The container can be elevated to a convenient height for ball access and then automatically lowered back to a compact position, transforming a static container into a dynamic system that adapts to user needs and eliminates repeated stooping.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded elevator mechanism provides self-service by automatically lowering the first container back into the second container after ball access is complete. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to return the container to its starting position, reducing labor effort and improving overall efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded elevator system is added to elevate the container, then access to balls is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded elevator mechanism provides self-service by automatically lowering the first container back into the second container after ball access is complete. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to return the container to its starting position, reducing labor effort and improving overall efficiency.
3Weight of moving object
If the first container is made nestable within the second container, then portability is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by designing the first container to nest within the second container when not in use. The spring-loaded elevator mechanism facilitates this nesting by automatically positioning the first container inside the second container, enabling compact storage and enhanced portability while managing manufacturing precision requirements through the automated positioning system.
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 apparatus significantly reduces the need for stooping, enhances portability, and simplifies the loading and unloading process while maintaining an affordable manufacturing cost, providing easy access to sports balls without straining the user.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded elevator that enables selective elevation of the container for easy unloading of the balls
Data Source
AI summary
A sports ball easy loading and unloading apparatus assists a user loading, unloading, and sorting balls in a container by selectively elevating the container holding the balls, which minimizes stooping repeatedly to access the sports balls. The apparatus provides a first container configured to contain sports balls. The first container is disposed inside a second container having a larger diameter. The first container can elevate and lower in relation to second container. A spring-loaded elevator is disposed inside the second container, and beneath the floor wall of first container. The spring-loaded elevator comprises a spring that biases to expand, and turntables configured to lock the spring at desired positions. In this manner, the spring-loaded elevator enables selective elevation, lowering, and positional locking of the first container for easy loading/unloading of balls. A user can also sit on a lid atop the first container when fully compressed inside second container.