Ergonomic Knob Insert for Hollow Sports Sticks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gripping systems for sports sticks, such as hockey and lacrosse sticks, fail to provide an ergonomic solution that supports the hand's natural motion during rotational swings, leading to compression issues, reduced accuracy, and increased risk of injury, particularly affecting the hypothenar area.
Innovation Solution
A knob design with an oblique, cantle-like structure that cradles the hypothenar and provides a broader surface area for the hand, distributing pressure across the palmar arches and aligning with the natural motion of the hand during ulnar flexion, thereby enhancing grip stability and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional knob is used on a hollow stick, then the结构简单性 (structural simplicity) is maintained, but the ergonomic support for the hypothenar area is insufficient, leading to compression issues and reduced grip stability
Solution Approach 1:
The knob is divided into multiple functional segments: a main body portion and a cantle-like extension. This segmentation allows each part to serve a specific ergonomic function - the main body provides general grip surface while the cantle-like extension specifically supports the hypothenar area, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ergonomic functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The knob design adds a dimensional element by extending backward into a cantle-like structure that creates a new support surface. This additional dimension provides ergonomic support for the hypothenar area without significantly increasing overall complexity, as the extension is a continuous surface rather than a separate component
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the knob surface area is increased to distribute pressure, then the compression forces on the ulnar nerve are reduced, but the knob size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing the entire knob volume, the design applies the quality change locally by adding a cantle-like extension specifically positioned to contact the hypothenar area. This localized approach distributes pressure where needed without proportionally increasing overall knob volume, thereby reducing compression forces on the ulnar nerve while minimizing volume increase
Solution Approach 2:
The design implements partial action by providing ergonomic support only in the specific area where compression forces occur (hypothenar region) rather than uniformly across the entire knob. This targeted approach reduces harmful compression forces without requiring excessive increase in overall knob volume
3Measurement precision
If the knob is designed to support natural hand motion during rotational swings, then swing precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cantle-like extension features a curved, rounded surface that naturally accommodates the motion of the hand during rotational swings. This curvature allows the hand to move through its natural arc without encountering sharp edges or flat surfaces that would impede motion, thereby improving swing precision while the curved form remains simple to manufacture using conventional molding or turning processes
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a knob for application to the gripping end of a hollow stick. The knob comprises a rounded, oblique, cylindrical support structure, transitional shaft and tang aligned on a common longitudinal central axis. The support structure comprises a greater diameter rounded, cantle-like support and gripping structures.