Asymmetric String Guide Free Length for Racket Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball sports rackets have identical playing characteristics on both hitting sides due to uniform string tension and arrangement, limiting the ability to achieve different playing characteristics on each side.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetric stringing arrangement is implemented, where the string guides on the racket frame provide a greater free length of strings perpendicular to the striking direction on one side than the other, resulting in different tension and elasticity criteria for each side, allowing for distinct playing characteristics on each hitting area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uniform string guides are used on both sides of the racket, then the racket structure is simple and symmetric, but the playing characteristics are identical on both hitting sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring string guides with different free lengths on opposite sides of the racket. Specifically, the string guides have a first free length on a first side and a second free length on a second side, where the free lengths differ. This asymmetric configuration creates different tension and elasticity criteria on each side, enabling distinct playing characteristics for different hitting sides while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different free lengths of strings are used on each side, then different tension and elasticity criteria are achieved, but the stringing arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the free length of string guides at specific locations on opposite sides of the racket. Instead of changing the entire stringing arrangement, only the local free length parameter of the string guides is modified. This allows different tension and elasticity criteria to be achieved locally on each side while keeping the rest of the stringing arrangement relatively simple and manageable.
3Ease of operation
If asymmetric string guides are implemented, then advanced ball control and energy efficiency are enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the free length parameter of the string guides on opposite sides of the racket. This is a straightforward parameter adjustment that can be achieved during the stringing process or frame manufacturing. By changing only this single parameter (free length) rather than the overall geometry or material properties, the asymmetric configuration can be implemented with relatively simple manufacturing processes while achieving advanced ball control and energy 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
This design enables advanced ball control and energy efficiency, allowing players to utilize different tension and elasticity criteria for various strokes and temperature conditions, enhancing playing comfort and joint friendliness.
Implementation Method 1
a free length of the string respectively guided on the string guide is, perpendicular to the striking direction and to a string-fitting plane of the racket, greater on one side of the string-fitting plane than on the other side of the string-fitting plane so that a tension and/or elasticity criterion of the stringing arrangement is different for each of the two sides of the string-fitting plane
Data Source
AI summary
A stringing arrangement for a ball sports racket having a frame which surrounds a string array and in which the strings of a racket string-fitting are supported and guided by string guides formed on the frame, the string guides being formed asymmetrically in such a way that a free length of the string respectively guided on the string guide is, perpendicular to the striking direction and to a string-fitting plane of the racket, greater on one side of the string-fitting plane than on the other side of the string-fitting plane so that a tension and/or elasticity criterion of the stringing arrangement is different for each of the two sides of the string-fitting plane.