Table Tennis Net Posts With Optical Net Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table tennis systems lack accurate and objective monitoring of the ball crossing the net, leading to subjective errors and rule violations, which can be improved with automated and precise detection.
Innovation Solution
A table tennis net system with a light source and light sensor, integrated into the net posts, and a positioning laser for alignment, along with a control and evaluation module, allows for precise monitoring of the net edge, and includes features like acoustic signals and wireless connectivity for easy assembly and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light source and light sensor are integrated into the net posts to detect net edge contact, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and light sensor directly into the net posts, merging the detection function with the existing structural elements. This integration approach improves measurement precision for net edge contact detection while minimizing additional device complexity by utilizing components that are already part of the net post structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The net posts serve multiple functions: they support the net structure and simultaneously house the light source and light sensor for detection purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection devices, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a positioning laser and marking device are added for alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning laser and marking device enable alignment to be performed before final assembly and tensioning of the net. This preliminary action ensures that the light source and sensor are correctly positioned relative to each other, improving manufacturing precision without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If all electronic components are integrated into the transmitter net post housing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the battery module and control evaluation module into the housing of the transmitter net post, combining multiple electronic components into a single enclosed space. This merging approach simplifies manufacture by reducing the number of separate assemblies and connection points, while the housing itself serves as the integrating structure that manages the complexity internally.
4Ease of operation
If the table tennis net is detachably connected to the receiving net post, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The net connection is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed: detachable during assembly and disassembly operations, yet stable during gameplay. This allows the system to adapt between different operational states - easy assembly when needed, and reliable connection when in use - resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
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 accurate and automated detection of net edge contact, reducing human error and enhancing game fairness and smooth gameplay.
Implementation Method 1
a light source directed towards an opposite receiving net post and wherein the receiving net post has a light sensor directed towards the light source
Implementation Method 2
arranging a positioning laser on the transmitting network post or on the receiving network post
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a table tennis net device (1) for a table tennis table (2) with two net posts (4) connectable to the table tennis table (2) and a table tennis net (5) stretched between the net posts (4). A transmitting net post (6) has a light source (8) directed towards an opposite receiving net post (7). The receiving net post (7) has a light sensor (9) directed towards the light source (8). A positioning laser (13) is arranged on the transmitting net post (6) or on the receiving net post (7), which can be aligned with a marking device (14) arranged on the receiving net post (7) or the transmitting net post (6) to indicate the correct alignment of the light source (8) and the light sensor (9) relative to each other.