Interchangeable Bowling Finger Insert with Helical Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bowling balls lack customizable and interchangeable finger inserts that provide consistent control and comfort, affecting the ball's trajectory and hooking action during a bowler's release, as existing drill patterns and finger hole shapes do not accommodate individual preferences effectively.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable finger insert system comprising a cylindrical outer body with protrusions and a rotatable inner slug featuring helical grooves and a compression element, allowing for secure and easy installation and removal, with materials like thermoplastic acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for strength and comfort, ensuring consistent retention and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed finger holes are used in bowling balls, then the ball structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the bowler cannot customize the finger interface for comfort and control
Solution Approach 1:
The finger hole is divided into two separate components: an outer body that is permanently installed in the bowling ball, and an inner slug that can be removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the bowler to customize the inner slug while the outer body remains fixed in the ball, providing adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire finger hole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner slug is nested within the outer body, with the inner slug fitting inside the hollow cavity of the outer body. This nested structure allows the customizable inner component to be housed within the fixed outer structure, enabling customization while maintaining a compact overall design that integrates smoothly into the bowling ball.
2Ease of operation
If interchangeable inner slugs are used, then the bowler can change finger inserts easily, but the retention mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism uses asymmetric features including helical grooves on the outer body and corresponding protrusions on the inner slug. These asymmetric elements create a one-way engagement that guides the inner slug into proper orientation during insertion while preventing accidental removal during bowling, providing secure retention without complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism incorporates curved helical grooves instead of straight linear grooves. This curvature allows the protrusion to follow a rotational path during insertion, self-aligning the inner slug with the outer body and creating a secure engaged position that is difficult to disengage accidentally, while still allowing easy intentional removal.
3Reliability
If the inner slug is securely retained in the outer body, then the finger interface is stable during bowling, but the insertion and removal process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism transitions from a static interference fit to a dynamic helical engagement. During insertion, the helical grooves guide the protrusion along a rotational path, allowing the inner slug to be easily guided into place. Once engaged, the helical geometry creates a locked position that provides stable retention during the dynamic movements of bowling, balancing ease of installation with operational reliability.
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 system provides a customizable and secure finger interface that enhances bowler control and comfort, allowing for consistent ball release and trajectory, with easy interchangeability and durability to withstand bowling loads, reducing the likelihood of detachment and facilitating quick changes during games.
Implementation Method 1
a compression element affixed to the second end of the outer body... the compression element generates a resistive force to retain the inner slug in a set position
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable finger insert apparatus for a bowling ball includes a cylindrical outer body configured to be disposed in a bowling ball hole. The outer body defines an internal bore open to a first end of the outer body and a number of protrusions extending from an inner surface of the bore. The finger insert apparatus also includes a cylindrical inner slug sized to be inserted into the bore of the outer body. The inner slug defines a plurality of helical grooves corresponding to the protrusions of the outer body. At least one of the protrusions is uniquely sized relative to other protrusions and corresponds to only one of the helical grooves such that the slug may be rotatably inserted to a single set position.