Bungee Ball Device Flat Surface Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bungee ball devices struggle to securely retain the ball in its secured position due to the round shape of the ball allowing it to roll out of engagement with the cord loop, necessitating improvements in design for better retention and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A molded one-piece bungee ball device with a cord loop featuring flat surfaces on both the ball and cord segments, along with a tab for easy gripping, enhances retention by engaging flat surfaces when wrapped around objects, and allows for secure attachment and release through the tab's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a round ball is used in the bungee ball device, then the device is simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but the ball can roll out of engagement with the cord loop causing poor retention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the ball from a completely round shape to an asymmetric shape with a flat section, and by giving the cord loop an asymmetric cross-section with a flat surface. This asymmetric design creates a unique engagement geometry where the flat surfaces mate together, preventing the ball from rolling out of engagement while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only specific portions of the ball and cord loop rather than changing the entire structure. The ball retains its generally spherical shape but includes a localized flat section, while the cord loop maintains its loop structure but features a localized flat surface in its cross-section. This targeted modification improves retention without significantly increasing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If the cord loop is stretched tightly to secure the ball, then the object is held securely, but the ball becomes difficult to release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting a portion of the cord loop to form a tab that extends outward from the main loop body. This tab can be easily grasped and pulled by the user to stretch the cord loop for releasing the ball, separating the release function from the main secured structure and making operation easier without compromising securing reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cord loop is made longer to facilitate wrapping around objects, then the device is more versatile, but the ball can slip further along the cord reducing control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the cord loop with a predetermined flat surface orientation and the ball with a corresponding flat section positioned to engage with it. When the cord loop is wrapped around an object and the ball is inserted, the flat surfaces automatically align and engage, preliminarily establishing a secure connection point that prevents the ball from slipping further along the cord regardless of cord length
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 design provides a more secure hold on objects, reducing the likelihood of the cord slipping and improving usability by facilitating easier attachment and detachment of the bungee ball device.
Implementation Method 1
They comprise an elastic cord loop that is attached to a ball. The cord loop is wrapped around one or more objects and the cord loop is stretched so that the ball can be inserted through the opening formed by looped cord segments.
Implementation Method 2
The upper section of the ball also includes a flat section from which the cord loop connection extends. The cord segment has at least one flat surface extending along a length thereof. When the pair of cord loop segments are wrapped around one or more objects and the ball is inserted between the space formed by the cord loop segments, the at least one flat surface on the cord comes into contact with a portion of the flat section of the ball to better hold the bungee cord loop in place around the one or more objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A bungee ball device includes a ball and a cord loop having a pair of cord segments. The ball has a flat part on it where the cord loop segments extend therefrom. The cord segment has at least one flat surface that engages the flat part of the ball when the bungee ball device is in use. The cord can include a tab extending from a portion thereof. The tab makes it easier to grasp the cord and stretch it to allow the ball to be removed from the space created by the cord segments and release the bungee ball device from its secured position. The ball and cord loop have a one-piece molded construction. The flat part on the ball and flat surface on the cord segment can be optional.