Foam-Covered Training Ball With Energy-Absorbing Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing training balls, such as balloons and beach balls, do not accurately simulate the handling and movement of real sports balls, and can cause damage to indoor environments due to their shape and balance issues, while conventional devices require separate inflation systems and do not return to the user after being hit.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight ball with an inner bladder and flexible outer layer, featuring an integrated one-way inflation valve and a bunched-up inner bladder surface that absorbs energy upon impact, is designed to maintain balance and return to the user after being hit, using an elastic cord for retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a ball is made lightweight and inflatable, then it reduces damage to indoor environments, but it cannot accurately simulate real ball handling and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is divided into two functional segments: an inflatable inner bladder that provides lightweight construction and damage reduction, and an outer layer with integrated elastic cords that provides structural integrity and simulation accuracy. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball uses a composite structure combining inflatable material (inner bladder) with elastic materials (outer layer and elastic cords). This composite design enables the ball to simultaneously achieve lightweight properties for indoor safety and elastic properties for accurate ball handling simulation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a ball is made with a valve and knot structure, then it can be inflated, but it causes the ball to spin lopsidedly and out of balance
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation valve is merged with the outer layer structure, eliminating the need for separate valve assemblies and knots. This integration ensures the valve is positioned optimally for inflation while maintaining the ball's rotational balance and symmetry.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cords are strategically positioned asymmetrically relative to the inflation valve, with the cords extending from points opposite the valve location. This asymmetric arrangement compensates for the valve's presence and maintains the ball's overall balance during rotation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a ball is made lightweight and inflatable, then it can be used indoors safely, but it requires a separate straw for inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation tube is merged with the outer layer, forming an integrated inflation system. This eliminates the need for separate straws or inflation devices, as the tube is already built into the ball structure, simplifying the overall device while maintaining indoor safety.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a ball is made lightweight and inflatable, then it reduces damage potential, but it does not return to the user after being hit
Solution Approach 1:
The ball incorporates elastic cords that dynamically respond to impacts. When the ball is hit, the elastic cords stretch and then contract, propelling the ball back toward the user. This dynamic mechanism transforms the lightweight inflatable ball into an active training tool that returns the ball automatically, improving training efficiency without compromising indoor safety.
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 provides an accurate simulation of real ball handling, reduces indoor damage, and allows for continuous training without chasing the ball, with an integrated inflation system and energy-absorbing design.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the bunched up outer surface of the inner bladder being adapted to at least partially change configuration to absorb energy upon impact
Implementation Method 2
a thin, lightweight elastic cord, the elastic cord having a first end secured to the ball and a second end with a strap
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight play or training device includes an inflatable bladder and a two-piece molded polymer cover formed by first and second closed-cell foam half-shells fused together (e.g., by ultrasonic welding) along a continuous peripheral seam. The bladder, when unconstrained, is significantly larger than the internal volume of the molded cover so that upon inflation it bunches against the inner surface of the cover, thereby absorbing impact energy and slowing aerodynamic flight. Preferred foams have densities of 20 kg m−3 to 60 kg m−3 and Shore A hardness of 30-60. The device may include an integral inflation tube acting as a one-way valve and an optional elastic tether for solo skills practice. Variants include spherical balls and flying discs, as well as alternative seam geometries and joining techniques.