Hinged Ball Holder with Porous Shell for Moisture Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for holding tennis or golf balls do not effectively manage moisture, leading to discomfort and inconvenience when the balls become wet, as they either allow dripping or cause the user's clothing to get wet.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two hollow semi-hemispheres with hinges and snap-fit closure mechanisms, featuring apertures for breathability and integral offsets to contain and evaporate moisture internally, allowing secure attachment to various items like a dog collar or backpack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a ball holder is made completely enclosed to prevent moisture escape, then dripping onto clothing is prevented, but the ball cannot effectively dry
Solution Approach 1:
The ball holder incorporates a mesh material that allows moisture to evaporate while containing the ball. The mesh structure provides controlled porosity that permits vapor transmission but prevents liquid droplet escape, resolving the contradiction between preventing dripping and enabling drying.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the ball holder is made open for drying, then drying efficiency is improved, but moisture drips onto the user's clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh construction provides an controlled opening system that allows vapor-phase moisture escape for drying while physically blocking liquid-phase droplets from reaching the user's clothing.
3Reliability
If a belt is placed about the waist to hold tennis balls, then ball retention is improved, but wet balls affect the tennis garment causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh ball holder allows moisture to evaporate from the ball surface while containing the ball securely, preventing both dripping and garment contact with moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball holder acts as an intermediary between the ball and the user's body/garment, providing a barrier that allows thermal and moisture exchange while preventing direct contact between wet balls and the garment.
4Ease of operation
If a strap is integrated into tennis garment to hold balls, then ball holding convenience is improved, but the garment becomes wet from direct contact with damp balls
Solution Approach 1:
The ball holder serves as an intermediary barrier between the ball and the garment, allowing the garment to remain dry while still providing convenient ball holding functionality.
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 system efficiently evaporates moisture internally, reducing dripping and discomfort, while being aesthetically pleasing and versatile for use as a pet toy or tracking device.
Implementation Method 1
efficiently evaporates moisture internally, reducing dripping and discomfort
Data Source
AI summary
A ball, sphere or article holding system includes a first hollow semi-hemisphere or shell formed of a resilient material and having therein a plurality of apertures, the semi-hemisphere or shell including a first hinge element and, diametrically opposed, a first selectable closure element. The system also includes a second hollow semi-hemisphere or shell formed of a resilient material and also having a plurality of apertures, the second semi-hemisphere or shell including a second hinge element which is complementally proportioned, disposed and engagable relative to the first hinge element. Diametrically opposed therefrom is a second closure element which is complementally and press or snap-fittably engagable by the opposing closure element of the first semi-hemisphere or shell. Closure between the responsive closure elements may be enhanced by the use of a ring slip-fittably passing between complementally disposed apertures within and between the closure elements. The surface of an article held within the system is offset from interior surfaces of the semi-hemispheres or shells by nubs, stubs of the like. Articles held within the sphere may include bells and treats for pets.