Non-spherical Game Ball with Segmented Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balls for recreational activities are limited in their functionality as they typically have a single shape and gripping mechanism, restricting their use in various throwing and rolling scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A ball design featuring both a cylindrical exterior edge and a cube exterior edge, along with multiple gripping locations, allowing users to adjust how the ball rolls and grips based on their needs, achieved through a combination of shaped components and grip enhancements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional ball uses a single spherical shape, then it is easy to manufacture and simple in structure, but it has limited functionality for different throwing and rolling scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is divided into multiple distinct geometric sections including a spherical portion, a cylindrical portion, and a cubical portion. Each section serves different functional purposes: the spherical portion allows for traditional rolling, the cylindrical portion enables spinning motion, and the cubical portion provides stable stacking and gripping. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating functional diversity while maintaining a unified ball structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball is designed to perform multiple functions within a single object. It can be thrown, rolled, spun, stacked, and gripped in various ways depending on which geometric portion is engaged. The spherical, cylindrical, and cubical sections collectively provide versatility for different recreational activities, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate objects.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional ball has a single gripping mechanism, then it is simple in design, but it restricts user control in various throwing scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the ball have different geometric qualities optimized for specific gripping needs. The spherical portion provides smooth rolling contact, the cylindrical portion offers rotational grip control, and the cubical portion gives stable finger placement. This local differentiation of geometric properties enhances grip control for various throwing scenarios while maintaining overall design simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-spherical ball includes a plurality of shaped components secured together and forming a body of the non-spherical ball; a cylindrical exterior shape extending around a first axis of the body; a cube exterior shape extending around a second axis of the body; the cylindrical exterior shape and the cube shape intersect at a right angle; and the cube exterior shape minimizes roll of the non-spherical ball when thrown on the second axis; and the cylindrical exterior shape maximizes roll of the non-spherical ball when thrown on the first axis.