Basketball Electronics Encapsulation for Bounce Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Basketballs with internal electronics often exhibit inconsistent bounce characteristics due to the impact of the electronics and their supporting structures on the ball's rebound performance, especially when bounced at different locations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electronics within a basketball design that includes a bladder, elastomeric layer, windings, and a cover layer, where the electronics are encapsulated and the elastomeric layer continuously extends over the electronics, distributing impact forces uniformly across the ball's surface, thereby maintaining consistent bounce characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronics are integrated into the basketball, then the basketball can provide electronic functions (measurement, tracking, etc.), but the bounce characteristics become inconsistent when bounced at different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific structural configuration where the electronics are positioned within a localized region of the basketball, surrounded by additional material layers in that specific area. This localized structural adjustment ensures that the impact distribution remains uniform across the entire ball surface, while the electronics remain functional in their designated zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by introducing an uneven distribution of material layers around the electronics. The structure is deliberately asymmetric with respect to the electronics location, providing extra material coverage on the opposite side and adjacent areas to balance the mass distribution and maintain consistent bounce characteristics regardless of impact location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronics and supporting structures are added to the basketball, then electronic functionality is enabled, but the structural complexity and potential impact on bounce uniformity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the electronics within a receptacle or housing that is integrated into the basketball's internal structure. The electronics are nested within the bladder or structural layers of the ball, allowing compact integration without significantly increasing the overall ball size or complexity. This nested arrangement protects the electronics while maintaining the ball's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible material layers and thin film structures to encapsulate and protect the electronics. These flexible shells conform to the curved surfaces of the basketball and provide protection without adding significant rigidity or complexity. The thin film approach allows the electronics to be integrated smoothly within the ball's structure while maintaining uniform impact distribution.
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 ensures that the bounce performance is consistent across the entire surface of the basketball, reducing the impact of the electronics on rebound height and force distribution, matching the performance of standard basketballs.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric layer continuously extends over the electronics, distributing impact forces uniformly across the ball's surface
Data Source
AI summary
A basketball includes a bladder, electronics within the bladder proximate an outer portion of the bladder, windings about the bladder, and a molded elastomeric layer about the bladder and extending over the electronics.