Wedge-Shaped Engagement Portion for Throwing Apparatus Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object throwing devices fail to ensure desired orientation and accurate flight path direction of thrown objects due to their cylindrical engagement means, leading to muscle strain and unsanitary handling issues, especially when involving animals.
Innovation Solution
A recreational throwing apparatus with a handle and a wedge-shaped engagement portion that selectively engages with objects, preventing rotation and allowing precise orientation and direction control through a curved or flat shank, enabling users to throw various objects without direct handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cylindrical engagement means is used, then the device can engage objects, but the object cannot be held in a desired orientation and the flight path cannot be accurately directed
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portion transitions from a symmetric cylindrical shape to an asymmetric wedge-shaped configuration with a tapered surface. This asymmetric geometry provides a unique engagement orientation where the wedge fits into a corresponding aperture, preventing rotation and ensuring the object is held in the desired orientation for accurate flight path direction.
2Ease of operation
If users directly handle objects for throwing, then they can control the throw, but they experience muscle strain and hygiene issues especially when involving animals
Solution Approach 1:
The throwing apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the user and the object. The user handles only the handle portion, which remains in the user's hand throughout the throwing motion, while the engagement portion interfaces with the object. This mediator approach eliminates direct hand contact with potentially contaminated objects while maintaining throwing control through the handle-shank-engagement portion assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If the engagement portion is wedge-shaped with tapered surface, then the object can be engaged in desired orientation, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped engagement portion is designed to be universally compatible with various object types by engaging with a standardized aperture feature that can be incorporated into different objects. The tapered wedge geometry provides a universal engagement mechanism that works with balls, discs, and other recreational objects, reducing the need for multiple specialized engagement designs.
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 apparatus allows for efficient and accurate throwing of objects in desired orientations, reducing user effort and preventing object rotation, thus minimizing muscle strain and hygiene concerns, while accommodating various object types and throwing styles.
Implementation Method 1
selective frictional engagement with an engagement aperture of an object
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational throwing apparatus comprises, in the exemplary embodiment, a handle portion and an engagement portion engaged with the handle portion and configured for selective frictional engagement with an engagement aperture of an object. Additionally, the engagement portion provides a means for substantially preventing rotation of the object about the engagement portion when engaged therewith. Thus, with the object frictionally engaged with the engagement portion in a desired orientation, the apparatus may be swung in a desired direction, causing the object to disengage and travel in the desired direction.