Spring-Loaded Field Marker Anchoring Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports field marking systems lack the ability to efficiently and accurately anchor multiple field markers into the ground, leading to disrupted markings and interference with athletic drills due to unanchored cones and lack of effective measuring tape guidance.
Innovation Solution
A sports field marking assembly featuring a marker anchoring device with a spring-loaded piston and flexible bristles, combined with a tape canister and aligners with collapsible spiked feet and moveable guide posts, allowing for secure anchoring and precise pattern creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If unanchored cones and markers are used for field marking and coaching drills, then the equipment is simple and easy to deploy, but the markers are easily disrupted by athletic activities and require constant resetting
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is divided into separate functional components: an anchoring spike for ground penetration, a conical body for visibility and ball interaction, and a base for stability. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified anchoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker is pre-equipped with an integrated anchoring spike that is prepared in advance for ground insertion. This preliminary preparation of the anchoring mechanism eliminates the need for separate anchoring tools or procedures, allowing quick deployment while ensuring reliable ground attachment from the start.
2Device complexity
If manual field marking methods are used with pegs and paint, then the equipment is simple, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple field marking functions into a single integrated device: the anchoring spike for ground attachment, the conical marker for visual indication, and the attached measuring tape for precise positioning. This merging eliminates the need for separate pegs, paint containers, and measuring tools, significantly improving marking efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical marker serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an anchor point through its integrated spike, provides visual guidance for athletes, serves as a physical obstacle for drills, and works with the attached measuring tape for precise field marking. This multi-functionality replaces several separate tools with one versatile device.
3Measurement precision
If coaches use multiple separate tools for field marking and measurement, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring tape is physically attached to the conical marker, creating an integrated measurement and positioning system. This combination allows the user to measure and mark field positions in a single continuous action, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the need to handle separate measuring tools and markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical marker with its integrated spike serves as an intermediary between the measuring tape and the ground surface. It provides a stable anchoring point that facilitates accurate measurement and marking, bridging the gap between measurement and physical field modification in a unified manner.
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
Enables efficient and accurate creation of boundary reference points and field lines, preventing disruption from athletic activities and ensuring accurate markings.
Implementation Method 1
The marker anchoring device comprises a translatable handle coupled to a spring-loaded piston that work together to forcibly discharge the field markers into the surface of the sports field
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of flexible bristles (or a solid but flexible flange) is coupled to a rear end of the marker body for visibility above the surface of the field. The bristles are visible above the surface of the sports field, when the field marker is anchored therein and are intended to return to their vertical position if stepped on, or if disturbed in any other way
Data Source
AI summary
A sports field marking assembly and method of marking creates a boundary reference point and field lines on a field or for coaching. The assembly provides a marker anchoring device that is loaded with field markers. The marker anchoring device comprises a translatable handle coupled to a spring-loaded piston that discharge the field markers into the surface of the sports field. Bristles couple to a rear end of the marker body for visibility above the surface of the field. A tape canister couples to the marker anchoring device to dispense a measuring tape. The measuring tape couples to the field markers, serving to delineate the boundaries and lines on the field. Multiple aligners anchor into the sports field to retain the measuring tape in the formed patterns. The aligners have collapsible and moveable guide posts that can be selectively raised to guide the measuring tape though the chosen guide posts.