Lacrosse Stick Head Wedge Mounting Against Vibration Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lacrosse stick head mounting systems are prone to loosening due to vibration or torsion forces, leading to reduced control and increased risk of injury and repair needs.
Innovation Solution
A lacrosse stick head mounting system featuring an internal wedging mechanism using a protrusion with an angled end and a wedged end cap, secured by a screw through the centerline, creating a wedging force to resist rotation and longitudinal motion, enhancing the union between the stick head and handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single screw is used to mount the lacrosse stick head to the handle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to loosening from vibration and torsion forces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple functional components: a wedge-shaped end cap, a protrusion with angled end, and a fastener. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (wedging action, mechanical engagement, fastening) that collectively provides reliable resistance against vibration and torsion forces while maintaining manageable overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped end cap acts as an intermediary element between the protrusion and the handle. It translates the fastening action into a wedging force that resists loosening from vibration and torsion. This intermediary mechanism converts simple fastener tension into multiple resistive forces against the handle walls, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a single screw penetrates the lacrosse stick head and handle, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength of the connection deteriorates under torsion and vibration loads
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped end cap concentrates the fastening force at a specific location (the wedge interface) to create high local pressure that resists torsion and vibration. The angled end of the protrusion and the wedged end cap create a localized wedging action that generates strong resistance forces at the critical connection point, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped geometry is pre-configured in the end cap and protrusion before assembly. When the fastener is inserted and tightened, the pre-formed wedge surfaces automatically engage and create the wedging force that resists loosening. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures strong connection strength is achieved through the inherent wedge mechanics rather than requiring complex post-assembly adjustments
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 provides a stronger, more stable connection, reducing breakage and repair frequency, improving control, and minimizing injuries by internal mounting that resists loosening from vibrations and torsion.
Implementation Method 1
An oblique wedged end cap has a planar handle surface at the oblique angle to the axis of rotation. The planar handle surface contacts the planar throat surface to resist rotation of the head about the axis of rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
A lacrosse stick head has a protrusion at a base of the lacrosse stick head, which internally mounts to the lacrosse stick handle or pole. The protrusion has an angled end, which makes contact with the angled end of the wedged end cap. The protrusion and the wedged end cap are drawn together via a screw through the centerline of the lacrosse stick head and mated to a threaded wedged end cap, creating a wedging force internal to the lacrosse stick handle or pole, and uniting of the lacrosse stick head to the lacrosse stick handle or pole.