Lacrosse Stick Head Nylon Elastomer Composite

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional synthetic lacrosse heads made from materials like impact modified Nylon 6,6 exhibit inconsistent performance due to temperature and moisture variations, leading to issues with flexibility and stiffness, affecting gameplay in varying climatic conditions.

Innovation Solution

A custom blend of Nylon 6/6 modified with EPDM rubber or other elastomeric toughening agents, along with fillers like fiberglass, is used for single-shot injection molding to create a lacrosse stick head with a consistent tensile modulus between 1.25 GPa and 2.5 GPa, minimizing temperature-dependent flexibility changes and moisture absorption effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional synthetic materials like impact modified Nylon 6,6 are used for lacrosse heads, then the head achieves good balance of stiffness, light weight, strength, and impact resistance, but the flexibility and stiffness become inconsistent under varying temperature and moisture conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidperformance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the material parameters by blending Nylon 6,6 with elastomeric toughening agents (such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or styrene-butadiene copolymers) in specific ratios (5-50 parts elastomer per 100 parts nylon). This chemical composition modification stabilizes the tensile modulus across temperature variations, maintaining consistent flexibility and stiffness while preserving impact resistance and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system combining thermoplastic nylon with elastomeric polymers. The elastomeric components form a dispersed phase within the nylon matrix, creating a composite structure that leverages the strength of nylon and the temperature-stable flexibility of elastomers, thereby achieving both high impact resistance and reliable performance consistency across climatic conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the lacrosse head is made more flexible for better ball control, then ball handling improves, but the head becomes more susceptible to breakage under impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveball controlVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the elastomer-to-nylon ratio parameter to achieve the desired balance. By controlling the elastomeric content within 5-50 parts per 100 parts nylon, the material achieves sufficient flexibility for ball control while maintaining the structural integrity and impact resistance needed to prevent breakage during play.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combines the flexibility of elastomers with the strength of nylon in a synergistic manner. The elastomeric dispersed phase provides flexibility and ball control characteristics, while the continuous nylon matrix maintains structural strength and durability, achieving both softness for ball handling and hardness for impact resistance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If the lacrosse head is made more rigid for durability and checking, then strength improves, but flexibility and maneuverability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural durabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the material composition parameters by incorporating elastomeric toughening agents that maintain structural durability while preserving flexibility. The specific ratio range of 5-50 parts elastomer per 100 parts nylon ensures the head remains maneuverable and flexible for cradling and ball control while achieving the necessary structural strength for checking and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite material structure allows different regions of the head to exhibit different mechanical properties. The elastomeric dispersed phase provides flexibility and maneuverability, while the nylon matrix provides structural durability and strength for checking, enabling the head to simultaneously achieve both flexibility and rigidity where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 custom compound ensures consistent performance across a wide range of temperatures, reducing flexibility variations and maintaining optimal stiffness and durability, enhancing ball control and reducing head breakage, while allowing for both flexibility and rigidity as needed in different playing conditions.

Implementation Method 1

minimizing temperature-dependent flexibility changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent flexibility changes: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

moisture absorption effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoisture absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

consistent tensile modulus between 1.25 GPa and 2.5 GPa

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTensile modulus: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

durability and reducing head breakage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact resistance: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS9050505B2All-climate lacrosse stick head

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 BOND JONATHAN

AI summary

Improved synthetic lacrosse stick heads that have more consistent performance characteristics under variable temperature and playing conditions.