Automated Torsion-Driven Sports Goal Backstop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports goal backstops are cumbersome to set up and maintain, offer limited protection for 'bounce shots,' and are aesthetically unpleasing, often requiring removal and reinstallation, which disrupts practice sessions and can lead to lost equipment and damage.
Innovation Solution
An automated torsion-driven sports goal practice backstop that attaches to the goal, featuring retractable handles and a counterbalance system, allowing for easy deployment and stowage, providing comprehensive protection from all angles without obstructing play, and can be transported by a single person.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fence-like backstop is used, then it provides basic ball retention, but it requires extensive setup and maintenance, and is cumbersome to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can be independently adjusted and collapsed. The frame consists of segmented tubes that can be extended to provide full coverage or collapsed to a compact size for easy storage and transport, eliminating the need for extensive setup and maintenance while maintaining ball retention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The backstop transitions from a static structure to a dynamic, adjustable system. The telescoping mechanism allows the backstop to be extended when needed for practice sessions and collapsed when not in use, providing ease of operation and storage while maintaining reliable ball retention during use.
2Reliability
If a cage-type design is used to encase the goal, then it provides comprehensive protection, but it is extremely restrictive when trying to practice shooting on net at an angle
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop employs telescoping side panels that can be extended to provide comprehensive coverage for protection or collapsed to open up shooting angles. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt between providing full enclosure for safety and allowing angular shooting practice, resolving the contradiction between protection coverage and shooting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The backstop frame is segmented into adjustable sections that can be independently positioned. The side panels can be extended or repositioned to create open angles for shooting practice while maintaining protection coverage, allowing versatility in shooting drills without compromising safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removable backstop is used, then it can be taken down for game play, but it must be transported to and from the field, which is cumbersome and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop is designed with telescoping sections that can be quickly collapsed into a compact configuration for transport and rapidly extended for use. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for complete disassembly and reassembly, reducing transport and setup time while maintaining the ability to remove the backstop for game play.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping design allows the backstop sections to nest within each other when collapsed, creating a compact package that is easy to transport. The nested structure enables quick deployment by simply extending the sections, eliminating time-consuming assembly processes while preserving removal capability for game scenarios.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a permanently secured backstop is used, then it provides stable support, but it offers no backstop support for bounce shots and cannot be removed when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop combines stability during use with adaptability through its telescoping mechanism. When extended and locked into position, the backstop provides stable support for bounce shots and other drill types. When needed, it can be quickly collapsed and removed, offering versatility for different practice scenarios and game play requirements while maintaining stability during operation.
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 automated system enhances practice efficiency by preventing lost equipment, reducing setup time, and offering comprehensive shot protection, while being aesthetically integrated with the goal, allowing for seamless transition between practice and game scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
automated torsion driven sports goal practice backstop
Implementation Method 2
counterbalance system, allowing for easy deployment and stowage
Data Source
AI summary
An automated torsion driven sports goal practice backstop which appends to any size of sports goal and may remain in place, if desired, at the conclusion of practice and during games. The sports goal practice backstop utilizes a torsioning system and flexible net mechanism in order to provide for easy installation and subsequent tension thereof. During practice, the sports goal backstop of the present invention provides a suitable backstop to stop most balls from traveling beyond the goal. At the conclusion of practice, the sports goal backstop of the present invention is mechanically foldable via automation of rotating handles and thus, the instant system need not be removed at the conclusion of practice. Rather, the sports goal backstop of the present invention may remain in position, out of sight, in its folded configuration during a game without interfering with normal play.