Foam Layer Ball With Differential Cellular Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional basketballs with high density rubber seams lack sufficient cushioning properties, and existing designs with inflatable raised seams and cushion layers under an outer covering do not provide equal or enhanced cushioning compared to high density rubber seams.
Innovation Solution
A ball design featuring a bladder made of rubber or elastomer, surrounded by a foam layer with a cellular structure that includes a main portion and partition portions with different cellular densities, where the partition portions have a lesser degree of expansion and fewer cells than the main portion, creating a vulcanized foam layer with specific foaming agent blending rates and particle sizes to achieve improved cushioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional high density rubber seams are used, then structural strength and durability are improved, but cushioning properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer is designed with different cellular densities in different regions: a first cellular density in the main portion and a second, lesser cellular density in the partition portions. This local variation allows the foam to provide both structural support and enhanced cushioning properties, resolving the contradiction between strength and cushioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball combines multiple materials with different properties: an inner carcass structure (bladder and thread-winding layer) with an outer foam layer having differentiated cellular structure. This composite construction integrates the structural strength of the inner carcass with the superior cushioning properties of the differentiated foam layer.
2Ease of manufacture
If a foam layer with uniform cellular structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but cushioning properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer incorporates regions with different cellular densities (first cellular density in main portion, second lesser cellular density in partition portions) to enhance cushioning. This localized differentiation improves performance while remaining manufacturable through controlled foaming processes during carcass formation.
3Strength
If the foam layer has high cellular density, then structural support is improved, but cushioning and softness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer is designed with a first cellular density in the main portion providing structural support, and a second, lesser cellular density in the partition portions providing enhanced cushioning and softness. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural support and cushioning properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The differentiated foam layer acts as a composite structure where regions with different cellular densities work together: the higher density main portion provides structural support while the lower density partition portions provide cushioning, achieving both structural integrity and softness.
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 ball achieves equal or increased cushioning properties compared to conventional high density rubber seams, with improved rebound, touch (softness), compressibility (hardness), and abrasion resistance, as demonstrated by experimental results.
Implementation Method 1
During the molding process, expanding the foamable layer into a porous sponge rubber layer
Implementation Method 2
cured under temperature in a conventional method
Implementation Method 3
The ball achieves equal or increased cushioning properties compared to conventional high density rubber seams
Implementation Method 4
The thread-winding layer around the surface limits expansion of the bladder and assists it in retaining a spherical shape after inflation to a desired pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a ball for ball games which has equivalent or increased cushioning properties when compared conventional balls. The ball for ball games of the present invention includes a bladder made of rubber or elastomer, and a foamed layer covering the outside of the bladder, in which a skin layer is provided on each surface sectionalized by partition portions extending from the surface of the foamed layer, the partitions having a lesser degree of expansion than the main portion of the surface which is sectionalized by the portions.