Angled Opening Plugs for Adjustable Weight and Aerodynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sporting equipment, such as platform tennis paddles, lacks optimal aerodynamic design and weight adjustment capabilities, leading to reduced performance, rigidity, and increased inventory needs for users and sellers due to pre-defined weights and inefficient airflow through cylindrical openings.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of sporting equipment with openings featuring angled surfaces and plugs that can be secured within these openings to modify weight and aerodynamics, allowing for adjustable airflow and weight distribution through beveled edges and interchangeable plug weights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If cylindrical openings are used in sporting equipment, then manufacturing is simple, but aerodynamics are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidaerodynamic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the openings from cylindrical to angled surfaces with specific bevel configurations. The openings are designed with angled surfaces that extend from the playing surface toward the handle, creating optimized airflow patterns that reduce drag and improve aerodynamic performance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard machining processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If openings are positioned at the center of playing surfaces, then aerodynamic airflow is improved, but rigidity and paddle life are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic airflow efficiencyVSAvoidpaddle rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different opening configurations to different regions of the paddle. Angled surfaces are positioned at specific locations where they optimize airflow without compromising structural integrity. The beveled edges are strategically placed to maintain rigidity in critical areas while allowing aerodynamic benefits in airflow-critical zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If pre-defined weights are provided for sporting equipment, then manufacturing is simplified, but user adaptability to different conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight production standardizationVSAvoidweight adjustment for different conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static weight configuration into a dynamic, adjustable system. Weight inserts can be selectively placed in the handle to modify the paddle's weight and balance characteristics. This allows users to adapt the paddle to different playing conditions, weather, and personal preferences while the base paddle structure remains a single standardized manufacturing unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple paddle pieces are manufactured for different weights, then user needs are met, but inventory requirements and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight variety for usersVSAvoidinventory quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal paddle design that can serve multiple weight requirements through the use of interchangeable weight inserts. A single paddle model can be configured for different weights by changing the inserts, eliminating the need to manufacture and inventory multiple separate paddle models. This reduces inventory complexity while maintaining the ability to meet diverse user weight needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances aerodynamics, improves equipment control and speed, provides adjustable weight and balance, and increases user options without the need for multiple equipment pieces, resulting in improved performance and reduced inventory requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The introduction of sporting equipment with openings featuring angled surfaces and plugs that can be secured within these openings to modify weight and aerodynamics, allowing for adjustable airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamics: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS11964193B2Systems and methods for selectively enhancing the weight and aerodynamics of sporting equipment
Publication Date: 2024.04.23 PDQ MAZOO LLC
  • US11964193B2 patent drawing
  • US11964193B2 patent drawing
  • US11964193B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for selectively enhancing the weight and aerodynamics of sporting equipment are provided. A system may include a piece of sporting equipment having openings extending through the sporting equipment. The system may include a plug operable to be secured within one of the openings extending through the sporting equipment. The plug may include a first end portion, a second end portion, and an attachment mechanism. The first end portion may include a first outer flange and a first body. The first outer flange may have a larger diameter than the first body. The second end portion may include a second outer flange and a second body. The second outer flange may have a larger diameter than the second body. The attachment mechanism may be configured to connect the first end portion to the second end portion to secure the plug within the one of the openings.