Universal Launcher With Flexible Shaft And Gripping Claw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball throwing devices for canine fetch games are limited by their design, which primarily accommodates standard tennis balls, leading to issues with ball retention and release due to size variations, and are not adaptable for non-spherical objects, and can be cumbersome and unsanitary.
Innovation Solution
A universal launcher with a flexible shaft and a gripping claw comprising stationary and flexible flanges that define a capture volume, allowing for the retention and release of variously sized and shaped objects, including those that are not spherical, with features to minimize contact with saliva and enhance user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid half-spherical structure is used to retain a tennis ball, then the ball can be securely held, but the ball may lodge within the structure and not optimally release, especially when the ball is new with a thick, dense covering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid half-spherical structure with a flexible shaft that can dynamically adapt its shape. The flexible shaft bends and conforms to the ball's surface during retention, then releases the ball effectively during the throwing motion, avoiding the lodging problem of rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a flexible shaft whose physical state (flexibility) allows it to change from a retained configuration during the loading phase to a releasing configuration during the throwing phase. This dynamic parameter change enables both secure retention and optimal release.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid half-spherical structure sized for standard tennis balls is used, then standard tennis balls can be retained, but the device cannot accommodate objects of various configurations including non-spherical objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a flexible shaft that can accommodate various objects including spherical tennis balls, non-spherical objects, and objects of different sizes. The flexible material and adaptable shape allow a single device structure to perform multiple functions with different object types.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shaft dynamically adapts its shape to match the contours of different objects, whether spherical, non-spherical, or varying in size. This dynamic adaptation enables the same simple structure to universally retain diverse objects without increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If the flexible shaft is swung in a forward circular path to release the object, then the object can be effectively launched, but the flexible flange must be sufficiently flexible to deform during retention and release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a flexible flange whose flexibility parameter allows it to deform during the retention phase to conform to the object, then undergoes elastic recovery during the circular swinging motion to effectively release and launch the object. The material properties are selected to optimize both retention and launch efficiency.
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 the efficient and sanitary launching of various objects, maintaining consistent grip and release functionality, regardless of object size or shape, and can be used in low-light conditions with phosphorescent objects, enhancing the fetch experience for both pet and owner.
Implementation Method 1
said second flange being sufficiently flexible to deform in retaining an object within said capture volume and to release an object for launching when said flexible shaft is swung in a forward circular path
Data Source
AI summary
A device for launching an object which includes a flexible shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a handle located at the proximal end sized to enable a user to grip the device while launching an object. An object gripping claw is located at the distal end of the flexible shaft, the gripping claw including first and second flanges which together define a capture volume for an object, the first flange being a stationary post and the second flange being a flexible web extending from the flexible shaft, the second flange being sufficiently flexible to deform in retaining an object within the capture volume and to release an object for launching when the flexible shaft is swung in a forward circular path.