Pool Cue Solid Core Construction for Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-piece pool cues often fail to provide a desired feel when striking the cue ball due to inadequate force transfer and jointery between the butt and shaft sections, resulting in a less-than-solid hit.
Innovation Solution
A pool cue design featuring an elongate central butt core with oversleeves and a forward threaded connector, paired with an elongate shaft core and rearward threaded connector, ensuring a continuous material interface from the tip to the butt, minimizing vibration losses and optimizing energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional two-piece cues use threaded connections between butt and shaft sections, then ease of transport and storage is improved, but force transfer and feel when striking the cue ball deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cue is divided into two separate sections (butt and shaft) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The segmentation is achieved through threaded connections that allow quick joining and separation, maintaining ease of transport while enabling solid force transfer when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The butt and shaft sections are merged through precision threaded connections that create a unified structure during use. The threading system allows the two separate pieces to combine into a single rigid assembly that transfers force effectively from the player's hand through the cue to the ball.
2Ease of operation
If multiple components are coupled to form a two-piece cue, then ease of transport is improved, but solidity of hit and vibration control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connections are designed with precision threading and matching threads that are pre-configured to ensure tight engagement. This preliminary design ensures that when the butt and shaft are assembled, they form a rigid connection that minimizes vibration and energy loss from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters (thread pitch, thread depth, engagement length) are optimized to maximize rigidity and minimize vibration. By carefully controlling these parameters, the design achieves a balance between ease of assembly/disassembly and vibration control during use.
Data Source
AI summary
A pool cue includes a butt having: an elongate central butt core, extending uninterrupted from a rearmost end of the butt to a foremost end of the butt; one or more oversleeves arranged about the central butt core and abutting one another; and a forward threaded butt connector positioned on the foremost end of the butt, the forward threaded butt connector operable to mate with a corresponding threaded shaft connector of a cue shaft. A shaft has: an elongate shaft sleeve, extending from a rearmost end of the shaft to a foremost end of the shaft; an elongate central shaft core, extending uninterrupted from the rearmost end of the shaft to the foremost end of the shaft; and a rearward threaded shaft connector positioned on the rearmost end of the shaft, the rearward threaded shaft connector operable to mate with the threaded butt connector.