Ball Display Pedestal With Spring Support for Secure Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display cases for sports memorabilia, such as autographed balls, lack effective protection against degradation and tampering, and fail to securely accommodate balls of varying sizes and shapes, which can affect their condition and authenticity.
Innovation Solution
A display case with a base and pedestal assembly that includes a spring platform to center and secure the ball, a transparent cover for UV and IR protection, and a bayonet connection for secure closure, allowing for adjustable height and shape accommodation of different ball sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid support structure is used to hold the ball, then the ball is securely positioned, but it may cause degradation or damage to the ball due to concentrated pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a compliant support surface that distributes the ball's weight across multiple contact points before any degradation can occur. This cushioning layer prevents concentrated pressure points from forming, thereby protecting the ball from damage while maintaining secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support structure by using a compliant, deformable material instead of a rigid one. This allows the support surface to adapt its shape and distribute pressure evenly across the ball's surface, preventing degradation while maintaining positioning stability.
2Device complexity
If a fixed-size display case is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot accommodate balls of varying sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable elements into the display case, such as height-adjustable pedestals and flexible positioning mechanisms. These dynamic components allow the case to adapt to different ball sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, balancing versatility with complexity.
3Reliability
If the ball is securely held in place, then the ball is protected from tampering and accidental removal, but the ball may shift or rotate, affecting its orientation and visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by designing a support system that provides uniform support across the ball's contact points, creating a stable equilibrium position. This ensures the ball remains centered and properly oriented without creating pressure points that could cause shifting or rotation, while still preventing tampering and accidental removal.
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 solution provides effective protection against degradation and tampering, securely holds balls of various sizes and shapes, and maintains their condition by distributing light forces over a wide area, ensuring proper orientation and visibility while preventing accidental removal.
Implementation Method 1
The platform includes a spring configured to yield when contacted by the ball in the display case
Implementation Method 2
a transparent cover for UV and IR protection
Data Source
AI summary
A base assembly for a ball display case includes a base configured to support the display case on a surface. A pedestal is supported by the base and configured to support the ball in the display case. The pedestal includes a platform for seating the ball in the display case. The platform includes a spring configured to yield when contacted by the ball in the display case.