Suction Cup Pole System for Sports Net Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sports net pole systems are cumbersome to set up and dismantle, lack stability, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces, and are not versatile for use on different surfaces or sports, leading to potential injuries and limited usability.
Innovation Solution
A pole system comprising a net post, receiver pole, and support base with industrial-grade suction cups, providing stability and secure attachment to various surfaces through a configuration of base members and suction cups, allowing easy setup, disassembly, and adaptability for different sports and surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional pole systems use weighted bases to improve stability, then stability is improved, but weight increases making them difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighted base system with a suction cup-based attachment system. Instead of relying on gravity and weight for stability, the invention uses suction forces created by the suction cups to attach the pole system to various surfaces, thereby achieving stability without increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs suction cups that utilize pneumatic principles to create a vacuum seal against surfaces. The suction cups generate negative pressure to adhere to the surface, providing stable attachment without requiring heavy weights, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and portability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional pole systems use stakes or anchors driven into the ground to improve stability, then stability is improved, but adaptability to different surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal attachment system using suction cups that can adhere to multiple surface types including hard surfaces, glass, and uneven terrain. The suction cups can be inflated or deflated to adjust to different surface conditions, making the pole system adaptable across various environments without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable and flexible base members with suction cups that can dynamically adapt to different surface geometries. The base members can be adjusted in position and the suction cups can deform to match surface contours, enabling the system to maintain stability across diverse surfaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional pole systems are designed for specific surfaces to improve stability, then stability on that surface is improved, but versatility for different surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional pole system where the suction cup bases can operate effectively on multiple surface types. The system includes adjustable base members and suction cups that can be configured for different surface conditions, allowing the same pole system to provide stable support across various surfaces including hard courts, grass, and uneven terrain.
4Ease of operation
If conventional pole systems are made portable to improve ease of transport, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical stabilization mechanisms with lightweight suction cup attachments. This substitution maintains portability and ease of transport while achieving stability through pneumatic adhesion rather than mechanical weight, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.
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 pole system offers ease of assembly and disassembly, stability on diverse surfaces, and versatility for different sports, ensuring the net remains taut and secure during play, while being lightweight and easy to transport.
Implementation Method 1
The suction cups, secured to the distal end of each base member, are oriented to extend downwardly... to temporarily secure the pole system to a ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
A pole system for supporting a sports net, the pole system including a net post, a receiver pole, a support base, and a plurality of suction cups. The net post, designed for temporary attachment to the net, is partially received within the central area of the receiver pole. The support base, attached to the receiver pole, comprises outwardly extending base members, each ending with a suction cup for temporary ground attachment. The pole system, constructed from materials such as metal, plastic, fiberglass, or wood, can adapt to varying base member configurations. A threaded screw mechanism further ensures secure retention of the net post within the receiver pole. The invention offers a novel, efficient, and cost-effective solution for setting up sports nets, ensuring stability and ease of assembly.