Game Ball Adjustable Apertures Flight Path Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game balls lack adjustable apertures and surface modifications that combine to allow users to throw varied pitches, making it difficult for inexperienced players to imitate professional pitches effectively.
Innovation Solution
A game ball with adjustable apertures, adjustable via a moveable ring that aligns with shell apertures, and surface modifications that induce drag, allowing users to adjust the flight path of the ball to mimic different pitches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed apertures are added to the game ball, then the flight path can be varied and slowed, but the ball cannot adapt to different pitch types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the apertures adjustable rather than fixed. The ring can rotate around the ball to different positions, dynamically changing which apertures are open or closed. This allows the same ball structure to adapt to different pitch requirements (fastball, curveball, slider, etc.) without increasing structural complexity, as the adjustment mechanism is simple rotational movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surface modifications are added to induce drag, then professional-style pitches can be thrown, but the drag pattern is fixed and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by having different surface modifications (ridges, grooves, or other drag-inducing features) positioned at specific locations around the ball. The ring structure selectively exposes or covers these different surface regions depending on its rotational position. This allows the ball to present different local surface characteristics to the air flow, enabling various pitch styles without requiring the entire surface to be uniformly modified.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable apertures are implemented, then different pitch types can be achieved, but the mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the ring structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an aperture control mechanism, a positioning element for surface modifications, and a grip feature for the user. This multi-functional design achieves adjustable pitch control without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same structural elements perform multiple roles rather than requiring separate components for each function.
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
Enables users with little experience to throw a variety of pitches by varying the aperture size and air resistance, enhancing the realism of professional-style throws.
Implementation Method 1
The surface modifications generally induce air resistance, causing drag, which results in the game ball deviating from a flight path it would have followed in the absence of the drag.
Data Source
AI summary
A game ball comprising a generally spherical shell having a plurality of adjustable apertures to assist the user in varying the flight path of the game ball. The game ball also may have, in combination with adjustable apertures, surface modification causing drag to assist the user in varying the flight path of the game ball.