Bowling Ball Surface Layer Plasticizer Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bowling balls lose flexibility over time due to the volatilization or elution of plasticizers from their surface layers, leading to reduced performance and inability to prevent oil absorption.
Innovation Solution
Applying a plasticizer with an oxyalkylene group to the surface layer of bowling balls, which penetrates deep into the resin and contains ester structures to interact with the resin, reducing volatilization and elution, and including oil removal treatments to enhance penetration and prevent reabsorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a plasticizer is contained in the resin of the surface layer to adjust hardness and density, then the flexibility of the surface layer is improved, but the plasticizer volatilizes in the air over time and elutes due to oil influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies plasticizer to the surface layer before the bowling ball is put into service, establishing a reservoir of plasticizer that will gradually migrate to replace lost plasticizer throughout the ball's usage life. This preliminary action prevents the flexibility loss that would otherwise occur due to plasticizer depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the natural migratory property of plasticizer within the resin matrix to enable the surface layer to self-replenish plasticizer from the interior of the ball. This self-service mechanism continuously restores flexibility without external intervention beyond the initial application.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the surface layer is made difficult to absorb oil, then oil absorption is reduced, but it is fundamentally impossible to prevent plasticizer volatilization in the air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the protection function into two independent systems: a surface treatment to resist oil absorption and an internal plasticizer reservoir to prevent flexibility loss. This extraction allows each system to address its specific function without being constrained by the limitations of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the plasticizer content parameter dynamically over time through continuous migration from the interior, maintaining optimal flexibility despite ongoing volatilization and elution losses. This parameter change enables the ball to adapt to aging effects.
3Stability of the object's composition
If plasticizer is applied to restore flexibility, then the flexibility is restored to near unused product level, but the plasticizer may be absorbed by oil on the lane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies plasticizer to the surface layer before the bowling ball is put into service, establishing a reservoir of plasticizer that will gradually migrate to replace lost plasticizer throughout the ball's usage life. This preliminary action prevents the flexibility loss that would otherwise occur due to plasticizer depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the natural migratory property of plasticizer within the resin matrix to enable the surface layer to self-replenish plasticizer from the interior of the ball. This self-service mechanism continuously restores flexibility without external intervention beyond the initial application.
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
Restores the flexibility of the surface layer to a level comparable to new bowling balls by effectively preventing plasticizer loss and suppressing oil absorption.
Implementation Method 1
by applying the plasticizer to the surface layer of the bowling ball in which the plasticizer is volatilized or eluted, the plasticizer is absorbed by the resin of the surface layer
Implementation Method 2
the plasticizer can efficiently penetrate to the deep layer portion of the surface layer of the bowling ball by the polarity of the oxyalkylene group, and the effect of the present invention can be further exhibited. In addition, by containing a plasticizer having polarity in the surface layer, absorption of oil can be suppressed
Implementation Method 3
since the plasticizer contains a compound having an ester structure, the plasticizer can interact with the resin used for the surface layer. Therefore, the effect that the plasticizer remaining in the surface layer or the applied plasticizer is less likely to volatilize or elute can be exhibited
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a maintenance method for restoring the flexibility of a surface layer of a bowling ball in which the flexibility of the surface layer is lost by volatilization or elution of a plasticizer. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a maintenance method of bowling ball is provided, characterized in that a plasticizer is applied to a surface layer of the bowling ball.