Rotatable Sports Implement Knob for Adjustable Swing Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports implement knobs are fixed at a predetermined angle, which can cause discomfort and reduce the player's ability to use both sides of the bat, limiting the bat's lifespan and swing movement flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A knob design featuring an inner and outer member with a hand-engaging surface that rotates relative to the inner member, allowing for adjustable angles and incorporating materials like elastomeric materials for comfort and grip, along with optional locking, adjustment, and sensor mechanisms for improved performance feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed angled knob is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the player cannot adjust the angle for comfort and the bat cannot be used effectively on both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the outer member of the knob rotatable relative to the inner member, allowing the hand-engaging surface to move from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position. This enables the player to rotate the outer member to different angles to suit their comfort and swing style, transforming the static knob into a dynamic, adaptable component that can accommodate multiple playing preferences and bat orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the knob into two distinct members: an inner member that remains fixed to the bat handle and an outer member that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows the inner member to provide stable mounting while the outer member provides adjustable hand engagement, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability by separating the fixed and movable functions into different segments.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed angled knob is used, then the manufacturing precision requirements are lower, but the player's feel and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotatability of the outer member allows the player to adjust the hand-engaging surface to their preferred angle, significantly improving comfort and feel. The adjustment mechanism compensates for variations in manufacturing precision by enabling post-manufacturing customization, allowing players to find their optimal angle even if the initial manufacturing angle has tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The player themselves performs the angular adjustment by rotating the outer member to their desired position, eliminating the need for complex precision manufacturing mechanisms. The self-adjusting nature of the knob allows each player to customize the angle to their specific hand size, grip style, and swing preference, thereby improving ease of operation without imposing stringent manufacturing precision requirements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a fixed angled knob is used, then the device complexity is low, but the bat lifespan is reduced due to inability to use both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable outer member enables the player to switch between using the bat's left side and right side by adjusting the knob angle, effectively doubling the usable lifespan of the bat. The dynamic adjustment capability allows the player to adapt to different swing types and impact locations, maximizing the utility and duration of action of the bat before it needs replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable knob design provides multi-functionality by accommodating multiple swing styles, hand positions, and bat orientations. This universal design allows a single bat to serve multiple purposes and be used effectively by different players or by the same player in different situations, thereby extending the bat's operational life and reducing the need for multiple bats.
4Ease of operation
If high-friction materials are added to the hand-engaging surface, then grip and comfort are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the structural component (inner and outer members typically made of plastic or metal) with a surface layer of high-friction material such as elastomeric or rubber coating on the hand-engaging surface. This composite approach enhances grip and comfort by adding tactile feedback and friction where needed, while the base structure remains relatively simple to manufacture. The high-friction material can be applied through various manufacturing processes such as molding, coating, or overmolding, which are well-established industrial techniques.
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 adjustable knob enhances player comfort and swing efficiency by dynamically conforming to the hand's position, extending the bat's lifespan and allowing for optimal impact location choice, while sensors provide performance feedback for improvement.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping or frictional portion comprises an elastomeric/rubber material or other 'high-friction' material
Data Source
AI summary
A butt-end device or knob for a sports implement with a handle for holding the sports implement. The butt-end device or knob has an inner member or inner surface mountable adjacent to a longitudinal end of the handle and a hand-engaging surface to engage a user's hand when holding the handle, the hand-engaging surface being movable relative to the handle in order to follow movement of the user's hand when the user swings the sports implement.