Multi-Component Bat Threaded Connection Vibration Dampening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal baseball bats vibrate painfully upon impact and deform due to forceful hits, emitting an undesirable sound, and existing attempts to improve performance with composite materials are either aesthetically unpleasant or prone to structural failure and premature damage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component bat design featuring a threaded barrel and handle connection with an intermediate tapered section that absorbs impact, dampens vibrations, and provides a continuous exterior surface, using materials like aluminum and composite materials to reduce stress and enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If metal bats are used, then durability and repeated use are improved, but painful vibrations and hand impact are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a metal barrel with a composite handle section. The composite handle is constructed with fibrous reinforcement (such as carbon fiber or graphite) embedded in a matrix material, creating a multi-material construction that reduces vibration transmission to the user's hands while maintaining the durability of the metal barrel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different material properties to different sections of the bat. The barrel maintains metal construction for durability and performance, while the handle section uses composite materials specifically to reduce vibration. This localized application of different material qualities addresses the vibration problem without compromising overall bat durability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If composite materials are inserted within metal bat, then vibration dampening is improved, but structural failure and premature damage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the bat into distinct sections: a metal barrel portion and a separate composite handle section. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently - the metal barrel for structural strength and the composite handle for vibration dampening - while maintaining overall structural integrity through proper connection at the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a transition zone or interface section between the metal barrel and composite handle. This intermediary section facilitates smooth stress transfer and prevents concentration of stresses at the material interface, thereby avoiding premature failure while maintaining vibration dampening benefits.
3Strength
If multi-layered graphite inserts are used, then durability and flexibility are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies manufacturing by segmenting the bat construction into two main parts: a metal barrel and a composite handle. This segmentation avoids the complexity of inserting multiple graphite layers within the metal barrel, while still achieving durability through the metal construction and flexibility through the composite handle materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting appropriate composite materials for the handle section that provide both durability and flexibility. By adjusting the fiber type, orientation, and matrix material properties, the patent achieves the desired mechanical characteristics without requiring complex multi-layered graphite insert construction.
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 design reduces stress on the bat's interface, dampens vibrations, and enhances the spring-board effect, providing improved durability and comfort while avoiding premature damage and undesirable sounds.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate tapered section which provides impact absorption and reduces stress on an interface of the barrel and handle
Implementation Method 2
Interconnection of the barrel and handle also has an effect of dampening vibrations created when the ball contacts the bat
Implementation Method 3
interconnection of the barrel and handle forms a corrugated section in the tapered section that amplifies a spring-board effect when the ball contacts the bat by allowing the bat to bend along the corrugated section upon impact and then spring back
Implementation Method 4
The barrel and handle are interconnected in a threaded engagement to define an intermediate tapered section
Data Source
AI summary
A process for assembling a multi-component baseball bat includes providing a bat barrel having a threaded section and selecting a bat handle having a threaded section. The barrel and handle are interconnected in a threaded engagement, defining an intermediate tapered section providing impact absorption and reducing stress on the barrel and handle resulting from repeated impacts of a ball on the bat. An example of a multi-component baseball bat formed by the process includes a bat barrel having a first threaded section; a bat handle having a second threaded section; and a mechanism for coaxially interconnecting the first and second threaded sections in an aligned relation in order to provide impact absorption and reduce stress on an interface of the barrel and handle resulting from repeated ball impacts on the bat. The interconnecting mechanism defines, at least in part, an intermediate tapered section between the barrel and handle.