Interchangeable Bowling Finger Insert System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bowling ball finger and thumb hole configurations are not customizable enough to accommodate individual bowlers' preferences for release type and comfort, leading to inconsistent control and potential discomfort during bowling.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable finger insert system for bowling balls, featuring a cylindrical inner sleeve with a locking mechanism and a fastening tool, allowing for easy removal and insertion of inner slugs and thumb inserts, which can be customized to fit different bowlers' sizes and preferences, with materials like urethane and ABS for durability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed finger holes are used in bowling balls, then manufacturing is simple, but customization for different bowlers' preferences and comfort is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The finger hole configuration is divided into modular components: an outer body with engagement features and inner inserts with corresponding features. This segmentation allows different inner inserts to be exchanged within the same outer body, providing customization without requiring complete redesign of the entire finger hole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer body is designed with universal engagement features that can accommodate multiple different inner inserts. This multi-functionality allows a single outer body to serve various bowlers with different preferences by simply changing the inner insert, rather than creating entirely different finger hole configurations for each bowler.
2Ease of operation
If custom finger hole shapes are drilled for each bowler, then comfort and control are improved, but installation and adjustment become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The inner inserts are pre-formed with specific shapes and sizes optimized for different bowler preferences before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site drilling and shaping during installation, as the custom configurations are already manufactured and ready for quick insertion into the outer body.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, permanently drilled finger hole configuration to a dynamic, interchangeable system. The inner inserts can be easily removed and replaced based on the bowler's needs, allowing the finger hole configuration to adapt dynamically to different users without requiring extensive installation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable inner inserts are implemented, then customization and comfort are enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features (protrusions and recesses) act as intermediaries between the inner inserts and outer body. These intermediary elements facilitate the interchangeable connection without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, adhesives, or precision machining, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity while enabling customization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inner inserts are provided for different configurations, then bowler preference accommodation is improved, but inventory and selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each inner insert is designed with specific local qualities (shapes, sizes, materials) optimized for particular release types and bowler preferences. This local differentiation allows bowlers to select the appropriate insert for their specific needs without requiring all possible variations to be equally complex, as each insert is tailored to its intended function.
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable finger insert system for a bowling ball is provided. An inner sleeve has a cylindrical opening defined at a top end. A base encloses a bottom end of the inner sleeve. A fastener-head feature is defined in the base and accessible through the cylindrical opening. An engagement feature is formed along an exterior surface and configured to allow the inner sleeve to be rotationally inserted into an internal bore. A fastening tool with an elongated shaft and a locking feature defined at a distal end of the shaft is provided. The locking feature shaped to engage the fastener-head feature defined on the inner sleeve. The locking feature of the fastening tool engages the fastener-head feature on the inner sleeve, and rotation of the fastening tool is configured to rotate the inner sleeve into the internal bore thereby locking the inner sleeve in the bowling ball.