Variable Gravity Training Device Pivotable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes face inefficiencies in training gross motor skills as they spend significant time retrieving sports devices during practice, and existing solutions do not adequately accommodate varying skill levels.
Innovation Solution
A training device with a stationary base and pivotable support means for sports devices, featuring a force-adjusting mechanism to adjust the force and speed of the sports device's return to a home position, allowing for adaptable training across different skill levels and sports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional training method is used where athletes manually retrieve sports devices after each engagement, then the training device structure remains simple, but the training efficiency is reduced due to time spent on retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retrieval function into the training device itself by providing a support means that automatically returns the sports device to its starting position. This eliminates the need for separate manual retrieval actions, thereby improving training efficiency without requiring complex external systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means is configured to automatically return the sports device to its home position after each engagement, making the system self-servicing. This automatic return mechanism eliminates the need for athlete intervention in retrieval, freeing up training time while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed training device is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the adaptability to different skill levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a force-adjusting means that allows dynamic modification of the force characteristics of the support means. This enables the device to adapt to different skill levels by adjusting the resistance or assistance provided during sports device engagement, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-adjusting means modifies the operational parameters of the support means, specifically the force characteristics. By changing these parameters, the device can accommodate various skill levels without requiring complete redesign, thereby achieving adaptability with controlled complexity increase.
3Speed
If the support means returns the sports device quickly to the home position, then the training intensity is increased, but the control over training parameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The force-adjusting means provides dynamic control over the return speed of the sports device. By modifying the force characteristics of the support means, trainers can regulate the speed at which the sports device returns to its home position, ensuring both safety and appropriate training intensity while maintaining full control over training parameters.
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 efficient and adaptable training by reducing the time spent retrieving sports devices and allowing users to focus on skill development, accommodating beginners and advanced athletes with adjustable force and speed settings.
Implementation Method 1
The support means (2) has a force-adjusting means (3) that allows adjustment of the force with which the support means (2) returns the sports device (6) to its home position
Implementation Method 2
The support means (2) is pivotable, which allows the user to engage the sports device (6) from many different angles and directions
Data Source
AI summary
A variable gravity training device allows a user to train skills in controlling a sports device. The training device has a stationary base, a movable support bar, and a sports device, for example, a ball, a badminton birdie, or a volley ball affixed to the end of the bar. The support bar is weighted, so that the amount of force required to move the sports device is reduced. The weighted bar also reduces the speed with which the sports device returns to its home position. The force adjustment means is adjustable, so that, with training, weights may be removed, so that the conditions governing the sports device correspond to real playing conditions.