Clear Lacrosse Head Impact-Modified Nylon
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lacrosse heads that are optically clear lack the necessary mechanical characteristics for optimal play, such as stiffness and durability, while those with desired mechanical properties often fail to achieve optical clarity.
Innovation Solution
The development of lacrosse heads using impact modified nylon polymers that exhibit greater than 60% light transmission, combined with specific weight and stiffness ranges, and the ability to withstand multiple impacts, ensuring both optical clarity and mechanical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optically clear materials are used for the lacrosse head, then light transmission is improved, but mechanical strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining clear polyamide polymer with impact modifiers and UV stabilizers. This composite formulation achieves both optical clarity (greater than 60% light transmission) and mechanical durability (withstanding more than 150 impacts) by integrating multiple functional components within the polymer matrix, resolving the contradiction between transparency and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by carefully controlling the molecular structure and composition of the polyamide polymer, including specific impact modifier concentrations and processing parameters. These parameter adjustments enable the material to simultaneously achieve high light transmission and adequate mechanical strength for lacrosse head application.
2Strength
If traditional synthetic materials are used for the lacrosse head, then mechanical performance is improved, but optical clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms traditional opaque synthetic materials into optically clear versions by changing key material parameters: selecting clear polyamide polymer base, optimizing impact modifier types and concentrations, and controlling processing conditions. These parameter changes maintain mechanical performance while achieving greater than 60% light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system that integrates clear polyamide polymer with carefully selected impact modifiers and UV stabilizers. This composite approach preserves the mechanical advantages of traditional synthetic materials while adding optical clarity, allowing the lacrosse head to maintain both performance and aesthetic qualities.
3Weight of moving object
If the lacrosse head is made lighter for maneuverability, then speed is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with impact modifiers incorporated into the clear polyamide polymer matrix. This composite structure provides enhanced impact resistance (withstanding more than 150 impacts with kinetic energy of 25-55 Joules) while maintaining the lightweight characteristic (about 110 g to about 150 g) necessary for player maneuverability and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes material parameters including polymer molecular weight, impact modifier concentration, and crosslinking density to achieve the optimal balance between weight and impact resistance. These parameter adjustments enable the lacrosse head to be lightweight for speed while sufficiently durable for impact sports.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates in general to lacrosse heads, and more particularly to preparation of a lacrosse head that is optically clear, but still maintains the desired stiffness and durability characteristics for optimal play.