Portable Bowling Ball Heater with Precision Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bowling balls face issues with chemical absorption and weight changes due to exposure to grip powders, waxes, and oils, leading to performance degradation, and existing heat treatment methods are inconsistent, unsafe, and not portable for tournaments.
Innovation Solution
A portable sports equipment maintenance device with a heat element, controller, and mount system that allows for precise temperature control and safe heating of bowling balls, featuring a display, audio unit, and weight sensor for efficient cleaning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bowling balls are heated in an oven or pot of water to extract chemicals and waxes, then the waxes and oils are melted and extracted from the ball, but the process is not portable, unreliable, and unsafe for tournament travel
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into a compact, self-contained unit that can be transported independently. The heating element, temperature sensor, and control circuitry are integrated into a portable device that can be placed on or near the bowling ball without requiring a large oven or stovetop setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/stovetop heating system with an electric heating element that can be precisely controlled through electronic temperature sensors and control circuits. This substitution enables portable operation while maintaining reliable temperature control for wax and oil extraction.
2Productivity
If high temperature is used to extract waxes and oils from the bowling ball, then the extraction effectiveness improves, but the risk of damaging the bowling ball increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the heating process and provide feedback to the control circuitry. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the heating power to maintain the temperature within the optimal range for wax and oil extraction while preventing excessive heat that could damage the bowling ball.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements precise control over the temperature parameter to optimize the extraction process. By maintaining the temperature within a specific range (hot enough to melt waxes and oils but not so hot as to damage the ball), the system achieves effective extraction without causing harm to the bowling ball.
3Ease of operation
If manual positioning of the bowling ball in the oven or pot is done, then the heating process can be performed, but it is difficult and dangerous for players to position and remove the heated ball
Solution Approach 1:
The portable heating device is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The device includes integrated temperature control, heating elements, and safety features that eliminate the need for manual positioning and handling of the bowling ball during the heating process. The system automatically manages the heating cycle and can safely remove the ball without requiring player intervention.
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 device ensures consistent and safe removal of absorbed substances, maintaining the performance of bowling balls and providing a portable solution for tournaments, ensuring reliability and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
The heating of the bowling ball is commonly done in an oven set to a low temperature or by heating the bowling ball in a large pot of water on a stovetop
Implementation Method 2
A portable sports equipment maintenance device with a heat element, controller, and mount system that allows for precise temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
A device for maintenance of sports equipment is provided. The device may comprise a lower housing, a wall, and a top member. The device may also comprise a heat element, a controller, and a mount. The wall may be removably connected to and extended upwardly from the lower housing. The top member may be removably carried by an upper portion of the wall. The heat element may be carried by the lower housing. The controller may be carried by the lower housing and may be in communication with the heat element. The mount may carry the sports equipment.