Faceted Equipment Handle for Grip Alignment and Comfort
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic equipment grips fail to provide optimal grip alignment and comfort, leading to suboptimal performance due to the need for excessive gripping pressure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a faceted grip portion with angled surfaces and ridged portions on the handle, designed to enhance grip friction and alignment, reducing the required grip pressure while maintaining control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional smooth grip surface is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the grip friction is insufficient and requires excessive gripping pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The grip surface is segmented into multiple facets with different orientations instead of a single smooth surface. Each facet creates specific contact points with the hand, distributing friction across multiple planes to enhance grip without requiring excessive pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip employs asymmetric facet orientations that match the natural anatomy of the hand. The facets are arranged in non-uniform patterns that correspond to finger placement and hand curvature, optimizing contact and friction where needed while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If excessive gripping pressure is applied to maintain control, then grip stability is improved, but user comfort deteriorates and athletic performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the grip have different facet orientations and textures tailored to specific hand contact zones. The facets are designed to match the natural contours of the hand, providing localized friction enhancement where fingers contact the grip, thereby maintaining stability with reduced overall pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip facets are designed with curved surfaces that conform to the natural curvature of the hand and fingers. This curvature allows the hand to wrap around the grip naturally, distributing contact pressure more evenly across the hand surface and reducing the need for excessive gripping force while maintaining secure hold.
3Ease of operation
If a faceted grip portion is implemented, then grip alignment and friction are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip design utilizes standard manufacturing parameters and processes, adjusting facet angles and orientations to match hand anatomy. By working within conventional manufacturing capabilities and using adjustable geometric parameters, the complex faceted pattern can be produced without requiring specialized or overly complex fabrication processes.
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 faceted grip enhances user comfort and control, allowing for improved athletic performance by minimizing the need for excessive grip pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The grip portion may include one or more faceted sides. In use, the faceted sides may enhance grip function and/or comfort while facilitating proper grip alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A sporting equipment handle grip may include, but is not limited to: a body including a wall defining an interior surface and an exterior surface, where the interior surface is at least partially cylindrical, and the exterior surface includes two or more facets. The facets may include adjacent surfaces having distinct surface shapes (e.g., planar, concave, convex, cylindrical, oblong, and the like) separated by at least one ridge or furrow.