Basketball Seam Configuration for Ergonomic Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sports balls, such as basketballs, lack an effective seam configuration that enhances gripping while maintaining their traditional appearance, as previous efforts have focused on increasing friction and cushioning rather than optimizing seam design for better hand contact.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a unique seam configuration featuring non-crossing seams that extend at least 50% of the ball's circumference, with curved segments and inflection points, allowing for improved finger placement and retention of the ball's conventional appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional seam configuration is used, then the ball's appearance is maintained, but gripping capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ball surface is divided into multiple panels with seams arranged in a specific pattern. The seams are segmented into multiple sections with varying curvatures and orientations, allowing different regions to serve different gripping functions while maintaining overall visual consistency with traditional basketball designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ball surface have different seam configurations optimized for local gripping needs. Some seams have higher curvature to accommodate finger joints, while others have lower curvature for palm contact. The seam depth, width, and orientation vary locally to match the ergonomic requirements of different hand contact zones.
2Ease of operation
If seam curvature is increased to improve gripping, then finger placement is enhanced, but the seams become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seams incorporate curved configurations that follow the spherical geometry of the ball surface. The curvatures are designed to match the natural contours of a human hand, with inflection points positioned to accommodate finger joints and palm curvature. This spherical adaptation enables ergonomic gripping without requiring complex multi-dimensional seam structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The seam configuration employs asymmetric curvature patterns that are optimized for right-handed gripping, with corresponding mirror images for left-handed use. The inflection points and curvature radii are asymmetrically distributed to match the predominant hand orientation used in basketball play, providing superior finger placement for the target user demographic.
Data Source
AI summary
The present development is directed to sports balls or game balls and to methods for producing the same. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to inflatable sports balls or game balls, such as basketballs, having a unique rib or seam configuration.