Racket Frame Reinforcing Layer Modulus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tennis racket frames are not resilient enough when a ball is hit away from the sweet spot, leading to reduced swing efficiency and control over the ball-hitting face.
Innovation Solution
A racket frame with a reinforcing layer for the gut groove formed from prepregs with carbon fibers and a matrix resin, where the compressive elastic modulus of the prepreg is equal to or less than 100 GPa, providing enhanced deformability and resilience when hitting the ball away from the sweet spot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional reinforcing layer with high compressive elastic modulus is used, then the frame strength is improved, but the resilience when hitting away from sweet spot deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying a compressive elastic modulus range (10-100 GPa) for the prepreg material in the reinforcing layer. This controlled parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between frame strength and resilience, allowing the frame to deform appropriately during off-center hits while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by forming the reinforcing layer from prepregs that combine carbon fibers with matrix resin. This composite structure provides both the necessary strength and controlled deformability, enabling the frame to exhibit resilient behavior when hit away from the sweet spot while preventing breakage.
2Strength
If the reinforcing layer is made rigid, then breakage prevention is improved, but swing completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the reinforcing layer by controlling the compressive elastic modulus within 10-100 GPa. This allows the frame to be flexible enough for complete swings while remaining strong enough to prevent breakage during impact.
3Strength
If the reinforcing layer is made rigid, then breakage prevention is improved, but ball-hitting face direction control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the compressive elastic modulus parameter to enable the ball-hitting face to deform and return effectively during off-center hits. This parameter control ensures directionality is maintained while preventing frame breakage.
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 racket frame maintains high resilience and operability when hitting the ball away from the sweet spot, allowing for complete swing and direction control, with the deformable reinforcing layer absorbing impact and returning to its original shape for high-speed ball launch.
Implementation Method 1
A compressive elastic modulus of the prepreg is equal to or less than 100 GPa and greater than 10 GPa... the deformable reinforcing layer absorbing impact and returning to its original shape
Data Source
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AI summary
A head 4 of a racket frame has a gut groove 20. The head 4 includes side reinforcing layers 18. Each side reinforcing layer 18 is formed from a prepreg including carbon fibers and a matrix resin. The compressive elastic modulus of the prepreg is equal to or less than 100 GPa. The tensile elastic modulus of the prepreg is equal to or less than 100 GPa. The tensile elastic modulus of the carbon fibers is equal to or less than 160 GPa. Preferably, the prepreg includes amorphous carbon fibers.