Flush Cue Stick Extension Adapter Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cue sticks with extension systems often compromise on feel and aesthetics when extended, as they require bumper removal and visible connectors, affecting the solidness and appearance of the extended cue stick.

Innovation Solution

A cue stick modification kit featuring an extension adapter with an external connector at the butt end that securely engages with an internal connector of an extension, allowing easy and flush attachment without bumper removal, enabling multiple extensions and maintaining a professional feel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If an extension is attached to the cue stick using existing extension systems, then the cue stick length is increased, but the bumper must be removed and the connector becomes visible, compromising the solid feel and professional appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecue stick lengthVSAvoidaesthetic appearance and solid feel

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The extension connector is nested within the bumper structure, specifically positioned inside the bumper's internal cavity. This allows the connector to remain hidden when the bumper is installed, eliminating the need to remove the bumper for extension attachment while maintaining a flush, professional appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

An extension adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the bumper and the extension. The adapter contains the external extension connector and interfaces with the bumper's internal connector, allowing the extension to be attached without removing the bumper while maintaining the aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the external extension connector is positioned outside the bumper for easy engagement, then the extension can be attached quickly, but the connector becomes visible and the cue stick loses its professional appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextension attachment easeVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connector positioning is moved from the external surface dimension to the internal cavity dimension of the bumper. The external extension connector remains accessible for engagement while being positioned such that it becomes hidden within the bumper's internal space when the bumper is installed, resolving the conflict between accessibility and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the bumper is removed to attach the extension, then the extension can be securely attached, but the bumper protection is lost and the process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextension attachment securityVSAvoidextension attachment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the bumper retains its protective function, the extension adapter provides the connection interface, and the extension provides the length extension. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently without requiring removal of the bumper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Shape

If the outer diameters of the butt and extension are made substantially the same for a flush appearance, then the professional feel is maintained, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflush appearanceVSAvoidouter diameter consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The extension adapter is designed with specific local qualities: its outer diameter matches the bumper's outer diameter to create a flush appearance, while its internal dimensions are designed to accommodate the extension. This localized precision at the interface region achieves the professional appearance without requiring the entire assembly to meet high precision tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9962600B1Cue stick with extensions

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 KALAMDARYAN VARTAN

AI summary

A cue stick is fitted with an extension adapter secured in its butt end having an external extension connector adapted to matingly engage with an internal extension connector of an extension to secure the extension to the butt end. The external extension connector is not covered by the bumper and can be left on when the extension is fitted to the cue stick, but when the extension is secured, the extension and butt end of the cue stick will be substantially flush with each other, the external extension connector now being located inside of the extension.