Table Tennis Ball Storage Layout With Dual Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table tennis ball storage devices require players to frequently interrupt gameplay to collect errant balls and are inconveniently designed with openings too far apart for efficient filling and removal, necessitating a compact storage solution with improved access points.
Innovation Solution
A table tennis ball storage device with a first opening for easy removal and a second opening for efficient filling, allowing balls to be arranged in two dimensions, with the first opening featuring a central region and end portions for comfortable grasping and the second opening designed for simultaneous addition of multiple balls, and a hinged door for convenient filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If balls are arranged in one single row in prior art devices, then the storage device can be simple in structure, but the device becomes relatively long and requires openings to be far apart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear arrangement of balls to two-dimensional grid arrangement, allowing balls to be organized in rows and columns. This dimensional change enables the storage of the same number of balls in a more compact footprint, reducing the device length while maintaining structural simplicity
2Quantity of substance
If openings are positioned far apart in prior art devices, then the storage capacity can be sufficient, but the convenience of operation deteriorates as users must move to the other end to remove balls
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging balls in a two-dimensional grid pattern, the patent positions both filling and removal openings closer together spatially. This allows users to access balls for removal from a location near the filling opening, eliminating the need to travel to the far end of the device while preserving adequate storage capacity through the expanded dimensional arrangement
3Device complexity
If a single opening is used for both filling and removing balls, then the device structure can be simplified, but the productivity decreases as users must handle balls one at a time sequentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single opening function into separate filling and removal openings. This segmentation allows simultaneous or independent access for both filling and removing balls, significantly improving operational efficiency and productivity without substantially increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each opening is designed with specific dimensions and configurations optimized for its dedicated function - the filling opening accommodates bulk ball insertion while the removal opening facilitates easy ball extraction. This functional specialization enhances overall system productivity while maintaining a simple overall structure
Data Source
AI summary
Table tennis ball storage devices provide a convenient place to store and retrieve table tennis balls during a game of table tennis. The ball storage device has an inner storage volume for receiving and retaining table tennis balls that is accessible from two openings, one designed to place table tennis balls into the storage volume and a second designed for removing table tennis balls. The first opening may be conveniently located on a playing end of a table tennis table and the second opening may be located on either the left or right side of the table tennis table. The first opening has a different shape than the second opening.