Tennis Practice Device Magnetic String Attachment and Weight Safety

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tennis practice devices face complexities in using pulling strings and auxiliary strings, limitations in the function of weights, and safety concerns related to the weights.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves using a magnetic O-ring at the end of the horizontal pole and a series of magnets on the lower portion of the pole to automatically attach and detach the pulling string, eliminating the need for auxiliary strings. Additionally, the weight is designed with a soft outer surface and a metal or stone core to increase safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rollers and weights are used to adjust raising and lowering of the front-end connection cord, then the height adjustment function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for pulling strings and auxiliary strings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment functionVSAvoidcomplexity of pulling string and auxiliary string

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the auxiliary string component from the system. Instead of using an auxiliary string to prevent tangling, the pulling string is designed with a specific configuration where the ball string runs through a guide ring, allowing the pulling string to be withdrawn without causing tangling issues, thus simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pulling string is designed to serve multiple functions: it adjusts the height of the front-end connection cord, prevents tangling through its specific routing through the guide ring, and can be easily withdrawn when not in use. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate auxiliary strings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If weights are used to adjust raising and lowering of the front-end connection cord, then the height adjustment function is achieved, but safety concerns arise due to the risk of weight falling and causing injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment functionVSAvoidsafety risk from falling weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies cushioning material to the surface of the weight before it is attached to the front-end connection cord. This cushioning layer is specifically designed to reduce impact forces, ensuring that if the weight falls during operation, it will not cause injury to users or damage to surrounding equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If weights are used for height adjustment, then the function is simple, but the weight may fall and cause injury to users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of weight-based adjustmentVSAvoidinjury risk from falling weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This solution simplifies the process of adjusting the front-end connection cord, enhances the functionality of the weights, and addresses safety concerns by reducing the risk of injury from falling weights.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic O-ring at the end of the horizontal pole and a series of magnets on the lower portion of the pole to automatically attach and detach the pulling string

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250058193A1Structure for horizontal pole and weight for tennis practice device

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 KANG IL-SEUK

AI summary

Disclosed is a tennis practice device, wherein a horizontal pole is affixed in a vertical direction at a point on a vertical part of a building or structure to form a basic frame of the device, and a string is hung from an end of the horizontal pole, with a tennis ball is attached to an end of the string; the ball thus suspended is struck with a racket for tennis practice. While useable for personal purposes, the device suits public use when installed on a riverside of a city or on school grounds, where anyone can bring a racket and ball to practice tennis in a fun, realistic way; here, the device must be high in height. Accordingly, techniques are provided to minimize problems, including connecting or disconnecting the ball string to the high-positioned horizontal pole and unexpected situations where the ball string gets caught on the horizontal pole.