Collapsible Suction Cup Retrieval Tool for Disc Golf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disc golf players frequently need to bend, squat, or reach to retrieve discs, which can be time-consuming and physically demanding, especially when discs land in challenging locations such as water or elevated areas, and existing retrieval tools often require two hands or can damage the discs.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, collapsible, segmented fiberglass shaft with a durable suction cup that allows one-handed deployment and secure vacuum adhesion to retrieve discs from any surface, eliminating the need for bending and providing secure grip without scratching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a player manually picks up discs by bending and squatting, then the player can retrieve discs from various locations, but the player experiences physical strain and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of bending and squatting with a suction-based retrieval system. The suction cup creates a vacuum seal on the disc, allowing retrieval through atmospheric pressure differential rather than manual lifting, thus eliminating the need for bending and reducing retrieval time
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup acts as an intermediary between the player and the disc. Instead of direct manual contact requiring bending, the suction cup mediates the retrieval process by creating vacuum adhesion, allowing the player to retrieve discs without physical strain and in less time
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing retrieval tools are used, then discs can be retrieved from challenging locations, but the tools often require two hands or can damage the discs
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup retrieval tool is designed to be universally applicable to various disc locations (ground, water, elevated areas) while maintaining one-handed operation. The single device performs multiple retrieval functions without requiring different tools or two hands, thus achieving both adaptability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical gripping tools that may scratch or damage discs with a suction-based system. The vacuum adhesion gently secures the disc without mechanical contact points that could cause damage, while the extended shaft enables one-handed operation from challenging locations
3Strength
If a rigid retrieval tool is used, then the tool provides structural strength, but the tool is difficult to store and carry
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval tool shaft is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can slide within each other. This segmentation allows the tool to maintain full structural strength when extended for retrieval while collapsing to a compact size for storage and portability, resolving the contradiction between strength and storage complexity
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 quick, secure, and one-handed retrieval of discs from various surfaces without bending, suitable for physically challenged players, and can be easily stored or carried, reducing the risk of disc damage.
Implementation Method 1
The suction cup provides a vacuum adhesion on either side, or any location, on the golf disc or flying disc or other generally flat and smooth objects.
Data Source
AI summary
The GOLF DISC AND FLYING DISC AND MULTIPURPOSE PICK UP TOOL is a lightweight, collapsible, segmented shaft fitted with a durable suction cup. The suction cup provides a vacuum adhesion on either side, or any location, on the golf disc or flying disc or other generally flat and smooth objects. The disc or object can then be picked up (retrieved) from any surface or obstacle within reach. A flick of the finger to the suction cup edge breaks the vacuum and the tool and disc or object are separated. The tool can be deployed and used with one hand. The tool can be carried and used as extended or folded and stowed.