Bat Barrel Deformation Control via Internal Rods and Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bat designs that limit deformation to prevent exceeding maximum COR limits often reduce performance at lower impact forces, as they are too rigid and incompressible, leading to differential performance across various ball speed ranges.
Innovation Solution
A baseball or softball bat with a hollow barrel and internal assembly comprising deformable rings suspended by rods, allowing controlled deformation at high impact forces while maintaining flexibility at lower forces, using a combination of materials like carbon and EVA foam to optimize performance within regulatory limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid washer-shaped restriction member is used to limit bat deformation, then the maximum COR is controlled, but the bat performance at lower impact forces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the restriction member deformable rather than rigid. The restriction member is designed with a yield strength less than the ultimate tensile strength of the barrel material, allowing it to deform elastically at low impact forces (maintaining bat performance) while plastically deforming or yielding at high impact forces (limiting maximum COR). This dynamic behavior enables the restriction member to adapt its rigidity based on the impact force level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the material properties of the restriction member, specifically its yield strength relative to the barrel material's ultimate tensile strength. By selecting materials and dimensions such that the restriction member yields at a stress level between these two extremes, the system achieves different deformation characteristics at different force levels. This parameter control allows the restriction member to be flexible during normal play while limiting extreme deformation during high-speed impacts.
2Reliability
If the restriction member is made incompressible to prevent exceeding COR limits, then maximum performance is controlled, but flex at high-speed impacts is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction member is designed to transition from an elastic state at low forces to a plastic deformation state at high forces. The material selection and geometric design ensure that at high-speed impacts, the restriction member yields and allows controlled flex, rather than acting as an incompressible barrier. This dynamic response prevents the restriction member from becoming a rigid constraint that would eliminate beneficial flex at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material principles by using different materials for the barrel and restriction member with specifically selected mechanical properties. The restriction member material is chosen to have yield and ultimate strength properties that differ from the barrel material, creating a composite system where each component contributes different mechanical behaviors. This material differentiation enables the restriction member to yield and allow flex while still providing COR control.
3Productivity
If the barrel is allowed to deform freely, then performance at lower forces is maximized, but the maximum COR may exceed league limits
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction member serves as an intermediary element between the barrel and the impact force. It is positioned within the barrel and connected to the barrel wall, acting as a mediator that allows free deformation at low forces while providing resistance at high forces. The restriction member's strategic placement and mechanical properties enable it to intervene only when necessary, preserving natural barrel flex during normal play while preventing excessive deformation during high-speed impacts that would exceed COR limits.
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 bat design enhances performance at both high and low impact forces by allowing controlled deformation, maintaining high performance across different ball speeds while adhering to performance metrics, as demonstrated by comparative graphs showing improved batted ball speeds.
Implementation Method 1
increased deformation experienced by a bat upon impact with a ball corresponds to an increased COR of the bat
Implementation Method 2
the deformable ring can be made of a material that is more compliant than the material of the barrel
Implementation Method 3
the compliant material can be compressed a greater distance than the distance the inner wall of the barrel can move inward
Implementation Method 4
one or more deformable rings suspending within the hollow barrel by a plurality of rods
Data Source
AI summary
A bat, which has a hollow barrel and an internal assembly configured to resist deformation of the hollow barrel, is disclosed. The internal assembly includes multiple rods disposed longitudinally within the hollow barrel. The internal assembly can include a deformable ring having a substantially circular outer wall having a diameter less than an inner diameter of the hollow barrel and multiple holes, with each hole configured to at least partially receive a rod of the multiple rods. The bat can have an end cap including end cap holes extending partially through the end cap, with each end cap hole configured to at least partially receive a rod.