Tackling Machine Parallelepiped Frame Fork Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tackling machines for rugby and American football training pose risks of injury due to column-based structures that restrict movement and are not easily relocatable, failing to mimic the speed and maneuverability of real players.
Innovation Solution
A tackling machine with a parallelepiped frame structure and a fork-shaped tubular longitudinal guide, equipped with a detachable drive unit and a lightweight tackling dummy, allowing for flexible movement and easy relocation, featuring a detachable connecting device and a drive unit powered by electric motor or compressed air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the tackling machine uses a spring drive element, then the structure is simple, but the speed of carriage movement is insufficient to match modern player speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional spring-based mechanical drive system with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor (designated as element 20) provides controlled, high-speed movement capability that matches modern player speeds, while allowing for electronic control and variable speed operation that a simple spring mechanism cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent also describes an alternative embodiment using a compressed air container (element 21) as the drive mechanism. This pneumatic system can deliver rapid, high-force propulsion to accelerate the carriage to realistic player speeds, overcoming the speed limitations of spring-based systems while maintaining relatively simple mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tackling machine uses fixed foundation columns, then the structure is stable, but the machine cannot be easily relocated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the supporting frame structure into separate, modular components including columns (elements 5 and 6), upper girder elements (elements 1 and 2), and lower girder elements (elements 3 and 4). These segmented parts can be easily assembled and disassembled using detachable connecting devices, enabling rapid relocation while maintaining structural stability when assembled. The frame can be configured in different arrangements including parallelepiped and triangular configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the frame structure from a permanently fixed configuration to a dynamically reconfigurable system. The detachable connecting devices allow the structure to be dynamically assembled, relocated, and reconfigured based on training needs or场地 conditions, while maintaining stability during use through proper structural design and grounding mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the training field is surrounded by columns, then the structure is stable, but athletes may bump into columns causing injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fork-shaped tubular longitudinal guide (element 14) as an intermediary component that replaces the need for surrounding columns. This central guide provides the necessary structural support and guidance function while being positioned away from the athlete's movement path, thus eliminating collision risks. The guide works in conjunction with tensioners and bearing elements to maintain structural integrity without requiring peripheral columns.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tackling dummy is permanently attached, then the setup is simple, but the machine lacks adaptability for different training scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection between the tackling dummy and the carrier into a detachable interface. The carrier (element 13) includes a detachable connecting device that allows the tackling dummy to be easily attached and detached from the carrier, enabling different training scenarios and dummy configurations without permanent attachments. This modular connection system provides flexibility while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 solution enhances training realism by mimicking player movement, reduces injury risk by eliminating collision hazards, and allows for easy relocation and integration with other training equipment, improving defensive performance without causing actual collisions.
Implementation Method 1
To the upper end 81 of the metal rod 8, at least one tensioner 9 is connected made of chain or wire rope and connected to the forked end 62 of the fork-shaped tubular element 6
Implementation Method 2
The drive unit is formed as a container for compressed air, on the one side of which there is a supply mouthpiece
Implementation Method 3
Depending on the particular selected embodiment, the carriage may be driven by an electric motor or by compressed air
Data Source
AI summary
It is designed to train athletes in rugby and/or American football, providing movement very close to the actual one and gives possibility to be mounted on scrum machine. Tackling machine comprises supporting frame structure (1) with shape of a parallelepiped and detachable connecting devices interconnect its elements. It is placed on ground (2). The longitudinal guide (6) has forked end and is mounted to the structure (1) through the forward end (61). The forked end (62) of the longitudinal guide goes outside the structure (1). At least one metal rod (8) whose upper end (81) protrudes above the parallelepiped, and carry at least one tensioner (9), connected to the forked end (62). The drive unit (10) is mounted to the fork-shaped longitudinal guide and has a working area arranged outside the structure (1). The tackling dummy (11) is attached to the carrier (12) by a detachable connecting device (13).