Intelligent Sports Goal Backstop System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An advanced sports goal backstop system integrating AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials to enhance performance, safety, and sustainability.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a sports goal backstop system to stop projectiles from traveling beyond the goal. However, this system had limitations in terms of its static nature, lack of adaptability to environmental conditions, and limited durability. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating distinct technologies to create a more powerful, efficient, and sustainable system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The Intelligent Sports Goal Backstop System combines the original backstop design with AI-powered projectile tracking, IoT sensors for real-time data analytics, blockchain-based ownership and maintenance tracking, and a new material with enhanced durability and resistance to weathering. The AI module detects and predicts projectile trajectories, adjusting the backstop's position and angle to maximize capture. IoT sensors monitor environmental conditions and player behavior, providing personalized recommendations for backstop configuration and placement. The blockchain-based system ensures secure and transparent tracking of ownership and maintenance history. The new material, a composite of recycled plastic and graphene, provides improved strength-to-weight ratio and reduced environmental impact.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials into the original backstop design constitutes a non-obvious and novel inventive concept, offering significant improvements over the prior art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the AI module's algorithms, using different IoT sensor configurations, or incorporating additional technologies like computer vision or machine learning. Variations could also include adapting the system for different sports or environments, such as indoor or outdoor use.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The Intelligent Sports Goal Backstop System has significant commercial potential in the sports equipment industry, particularly in professional and amateur sports leagues, schools, and recreational facilities. The system's enhanced performance, safety, and sustainability features can attract a wide range of customers seeking advanced sports equipment solutions.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B63/004 |
| A | A63 | A63B71/022 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Sports equipment design and performance optimization, specifically goal backstop systems and associated tracking/monitoring technologies. Requires expertise in materials engineering, sensor integration, data analytics, and sports equipment design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, sports technology, or related field, having 3-5 years experience in sports equipment design, familiarity with sensor technologies, data analytics, and materials science principles
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating modern digital technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain into existing sports equipment designs represents a predictable evolution of backstop systems. The core functional elements of projectile capture and goal protection remain consistent, with technological enhancements providing incremental improvements in performance monitoring and system intelligence. The combination of known technologies to achieve enhanced functionality represents an obvious design optimization approach.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,856 |
|---|---|
| Title | Sports goal backstop system |