Domed Soccer Ball Panels for Aerodynamic Grip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Soccer and handballs face challenges with aerodynamic friction, grip, strength, durability, and cushioning, particularly due to their spherical shape and handling during sports, which affects gameplay and player interaction.
Innovation Solution
A soccer ball design featuring a three-layered panel structure with exterior panels having recessed areas filled by inner panels, providing cushioning and a domed shape when inflated, along with a special bladder panel with a fabric and EVA foam layer for improved aerodynamics and grip, and strengthened stitching using adhesive and infrared curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the ball uses traditional stitched panels, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stitching creates raised edges that cause jarring impacts and reduce cushioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing interior panels within the recessed areas created by the exterior panels' stitching. The interior panels are positioned inside the raised edges formed by the exterior panel seams, creating a nested structure that fills the hollow spaces and provides cushioning while maintaining the simple exterior panel construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The interior panels serve as beforehand cushioning by being pre-positioned within the recessed areas before the ball is inflated. These interior panels cushion the raised edges created by stitching, reducing the jarring impacts on players while allowing the exterior panels to maintain their simple stitched construction.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ball has a simple spherical shape, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the aerodynamic friction is high and grip is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by creating a domed or rounded shape on the exterior panels through the nested interior panels. When the ball is inflated, the interior panels press outward to produce a domed shape on the exterior panels, improving aerodynamic properties while maintaining the overall spherical form for ease of manufacture.
3Ease of manufacture
If the ball uses traditional panel stitching, then the construction is straightforward, but the connections between bladder and exterior portion lack sufficient strength and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The interior panels are nested within the recessed areas created by exterior panel stitching, forming a multi-layered structure. This nested arrangement distributes mechanical stresses more effectively across the connection points between the bladder and exterior portion, enhancing strength and durability while maintaining straightforward panel assembly procedures.
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 enhances aerodynamic properties, grip, strength, and durability, leading to a more lively and challenging game with reduced errors from handling, while also improving manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
strengthened stitching using adhesive and infrared curing
Implementation Method 2
strengthened stitching using adhesive and infrared curing
Implementation Method 3
an inflatable bladder which fills the enclosed volume when inflated
Data Source
AI summary
A ball for sports play such as a soccer ball comprises three layers: a standard outer cover layer and a standard inner or bladder layer along with an intermediate layer of panels. These panels have three portions: a portion and extending into recesses formed by stitching together of the outer panels; a middle portion extending on the inside over the stitching; and a third portion which is disposed between the bladder and the middle portion having a size position and extent sufficient to produce elevations in the central areas of exterior panels in the outer cover layer.