Tethered Ball Rotatable Coupling for Free-Spin Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tethered balls fail to accurately reproduce the levels of spin and rotation imparted on a ball during a typical sports game, leading to inefficiencies in practicing ball sports due to the need for repeated retrieval and setup.
Innovation Solution
A sports training device featuring a rotatable coupling located inside the ball, allowing it to spin relative to a tether, minimizing torsional forces and aligning the axis of rotation with the ball's center of gravity, and using materials with low friction to replicate the behavior of a ball in free flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ball is tethered to a fixed point, then the ball can be practiced repeatedly without retrieval, but the ball cannot rotate freely leading to torsional forces and tether tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by pre-positioning the rotatable coupling mechanism inside the ball before use. This internal coupling allows the ball to rotate freely on the tether during practice, preventing tether tangling and damage while maintaining continuous practice capability. The rotation mechanism is prepared in advance within the ball structure, enabling free rotation without requiring external modifications during practice sessions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ball is tethered rigidly, then the tether remains stable, but the ball rotation is restricted and does not replicate free flight behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a rotatable coupling mechanism that transitions the tether connection from a static rigid connection to a dynamic rotating connection. The coupling allows the ball to rotate freely during practice while maintaining tether stability, accurately replicating free flight behavior where balls rotate during travel. This dynamic mechanism enables the ball to adapt its orientation during motion while the tether remains securely attached.
3Ease of manufacture
If the coupling is located outside the ball, then the rotation mechanism is accessible, but the coupling is exposed to impact damage and user injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the rotatable coupling mechanism inside the ball structure. The coupling is nested within the ball's internal cavity, protected from external impacts during practice. This internal positioning shields both the coupling mechanism and the user from damage while the ball is struck or thrown during training exercises.
4Force
If friction between the tether and ball is high, then the tether grip is strong, but the ball rotation is resisted and does not replicate free flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by modifying the friction characteristics at the coupling interface. The rotatable coupling mechanism is designed with controlled friction parameters that allow free rotation during ball travel while maintaining sufficient grip to prevent tether detachment. This parameter optimization enables the ball to rotate naturally during practice, replicating free flight behavior, while the tether remains securely attached.
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 device closely imitates the behavior of a ball in free flight, reducing tether tangling and damage, and enhances practice efficiency by minimizing friction and maintaining consistent rotation.
Implementation Method 1
the transferal of torsional forces to the tether (associated with rotation of the ball) can be minimised
Implementation Method 2
a ball in 'free flight' will typically spin about an axis that extends through the centre of gravity
Implementation Method 3
using materials with low friction to replicate the behavior of a ball in free flight
Data Source
AI summary
A sports training device (10) comprising a ball (12) with a rotatable coupling (20) located inside the ball (12) that is configured to rotatably connect the ball (12) to a tether (14), such that, in use, the ball (12) is permitted to rotate relative to the tether (14).