Racquet Handle Assembly With Enlarged Butt Cap Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports racquets suffer from durability issues with butt caps frequently becoming dislodged or disconnected from the handle assembly due to weak connections, particularly at the proximal end, leading to reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A sports racquet design featuring a handle assembly with a tubular frame made of fiber composite material, where the proximal region of the handle portion has an enlarged transverse cross-sectional area, allowing direct attachment of the butt cap without extending over the pallet, and secured using adhesives or fasteners, enhancing the connection's durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the butt cap is attached to the pallet at the proximal end of the handle portion, then the handle assembly can be assembled, but the butt cap becomes dislodged or disconnected over time due to weak connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional attachment (butt cap on pallet surface) to a three-dimensional solution by creating an enlarged proximal region that extends radially outward. This dimensional change provides a larger attachment surface area and volume for securing the butt cap, fundamentally improving connection reliability by distributing forces across a greater structural footprint rather than a limited pallet surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the handle portion by enlarging the proximal region's transverse cross-sectional area. This parameter change creates a bulbous or enlarged section with increased radius, providing enhanced structural support and a larger bonding surface for the butt cap. The enlarged geometry fundamentally changes the mechanical properties of the connection zone, improving both strength and reliability.
2Reliability
If the proximal region of the handle portion is enlarged to improve connection, then durability improves, but the handle portion geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the enlarged proximal region directly into the handle portion as an integral structural feature rather than a separate component. This merging eliminates the need for additional attachment mechanisms, reinforcement elements, or complex assembly steps. The bulbous section is formed as part of the monocoque or semi-monocoque structure, simplifying manufacturing while improving durability through enhanced geometry.
Data Source
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AI summary
A racquet including a tubular frame formed of a fiber composite material, a pallet and a butt cap. The frame includes first and second end regions and a mid-region. The handle portion includes a distal region, proximal region and a central region positioned between the distal and proximal regions of the handle portion. The central and proximal regions of the handle portion have outer surfaces that define first and second transverse cross-sectional areas, respectively. The second transverse cross-sectional area is larger than the first transverse cross-sectional area. The pallet is coupled to and longitudinally extends over the central region but not over the proximal region of the handle portion. The butt cap is secured to the proximal region and includes a peripheral wall and less than half of the length of the peripheral wall extends over the pallet.