Bowling Ball Finger Grip with Segmented Expansion Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bowling ball finger inserts do not accommodate finger swelling during play, leading to discomfort and pain due to rigid hole walls that prevent the inserts from expanding.
Innovation Solution
A tubular finger grip with a thicker lower portion that fits tightly within the bowling ball hole and an upper portion that can expand, featuring a sloping transition section to allow for swelling and subsequent contraction, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit throughout play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a uniform tubular cylindrical insert is used to fit within a drilled hole, then the insert provides a smooth bore for finger insertion, but the rigid hole walls prevent the insert from expanding when the finger swells during play
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into two distinct portions: a lower portion with uniform thickness that fits tightly within the drilled hole, and an upper portion with reduced thickness that can expand. This segmentation allows different parts of the insert to serve different functions - the lower portion provides anchoring while the upper portion accommodates finger swelling.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the insert have different wall thicknesses to provide different properties where needed. The lower portion has thicker walls for structural stability and tight fit within the hole, while the upper portion has thinner walls to allow expansion during finger swelling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the insert walls are made thinner to allow expansion, then the insert can accommodate finger swelling, but the insert may become loose and shift within the hole
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into a lower anchoring portion with uniform thickness that remains stationary within the hole, and an upper expanding portion with reduced thickness that moves with finger swelling. This segmentation resolves the conflict between expansion capability and position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert transitions from a uniform cylindrical shape to a tapered shape with varying wall thickness along its length. This dimensional change creates a gradient structure where the lower portion anchors in one dimension while the upper portion expands in another dimension.
3Strength
If a thicker uniform wall design is used, then the insert maintains structural integrity, but it cannot expand to accommodate swelling fingers during play
Solution Approach 1:
The insert has non-uniform wall thickness with the lower portion being thicker for structural integrity and anchoring, while the upper portion is thinner to allow expansion. This local variation in quality resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert transitions from a static uniform structure to a dynamic structure where the upper portion can change volume in response to finger swelling. The tapered design allows the structure to adapt its properties during use.
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 grip expands with the finger during swelling, reducing discomfort and eliminating the need for frequent replacements or protective measures like taping, while maintaining constant contact and comfort regardless of finger size changes.
Implementation Method 1
the tubular body has an upper portion and a lower portion... The lower portion defines a lower wall that is thicker than an upper wall that is defined by the upper portion of the finger grip. The dimensions of the lower portion and lower wall define a base of the finger grip that fits tightly within the finger hole of the bowling ball while giving the upper portion of the finger grip extra room to expand as the finger of a user swells during play.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved bowling ball finger grip or insert for a finger in a bowling ball comprising a tubular body adapted to be inserted into the finger hole of the bowling ball. The tubular body has an upper portion and a lower portion, with a bore having a uniform cross section formed through the tubular body that defines at least one finger opening that is located at the upper portion of the finger grip. The lower portion defines a lower wall that is thicker than an upper wall that is defined by the upper portion of the finger grip. The dimensions of the lower portion and lower wall define a base of the finger grip that fits tightly within the finger hole of the bowling ball while giving the upper portion of the finger grip or finger expansion area extra room to expand as the finger of a user swells during play.