Liquid Rubber Tennis Ball Adhesive for Durable Core Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solvent-based adhesives for tennis balls have stability issues due to high volatility, environmental concerns, and reduced adhesive strength, leading to durability problems when the ball is repeatedly hit during play.
Innovation Solution
A liquid rubber-based adhesive with a number average molecular weight of not less than 10,000 and shear viscosity of not greater than 2,000 Pa·s is used, eliminating volatile organic solvents and ensuring high adhesive strength and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solvent-based adhesive is used for adhering half cores, then adhesive strength is improved, but viscosity stability deteriorates due to solvent volatilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the adhesive composition by replacing solvent-based formulations with water-based adhesive comprising rubber latex and filler. This substitution eliminates the volatility issue while maintaining adhesive strength, as the water-based system does not suffer from rapid solvent evaporation that causes viscosity instability in conventional solvent-based adhesives.
2Strength
If solvent-based adhesive is used, then adhesive strength is improved, but environmental harm increases due to volatile organic compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical composition parameter by adopting water-based adhesive instead of solvent-based adhesive. This eliminates volatile organic compounds from the formulation, thereby removing the environmental harm and health hazards associated with solvent evaporation while preserving the necessary adhesive strength through the rubber latex base.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rubber latex adhesive is used to reduce organic solvent, then environmental load is reduced, but residual moisture affects adhesive strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the water content parameter in the rubber latex adhesive formulation. By controlling the amount and type of water-based components, the patent eliminates excessive residual moisture that would compromise adhesive strength, while maintaining the environmental benefits of using water instead of organic solvents. The specific formulation parameters are adjusted to achieve the right balance between moisture content and adhesive performance.
4Ease of operation
If liquid rubber with low molecular weight is used, then viscosity for application is improved, but adhesive strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and optimizes the molecular weight parameter of the liquid rubber component. By selecting liquid rubber with an appropriate molecular weight range, the patent achieves a balance where the adhesive has sufficiently low viscosity for easy application while maintaining high adhesive strength. The molecular weight is controlled to ensure proper flow characteristics during application without compromising the bonding performance.
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 adhesive maintains suitable viscosity for application, reduces environmental and worker exposure, and enhances the durability of the tennis ball by providing excellent adhesive strength.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive whose main component is liquid rubber... by using an adhesive having excellent adhesive strength
Implementation Method 2
the adhesive is used for adhering the half cores to each other by vulcanization adhesion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An adhesive for a tennis ball includes base rubber. The base rubber contains, as a main component thereof, liquid rubber having a number average molecular weight of not less than 10,000. The adhesive has a shear viscosity of not greater than 2,000 Pa·s. A tennis ball includes a hollow core made of a rubber material. The core includes two hemispherical half cores. The two half cores are adhered to each other by using the adhesive for a tennis ball.