Tactile Ball with Elastomer Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balls lack a tactile surface, which can make them less engaging and less safe for play, as they do not provide a unique sense of feel or gripping surface.
Innovation Solution
A ball with a tactile outer layer featuring a series of elastomer protrusions, such as tear-drop shaped spikes or globules, that can be applied in a continuous or discrete pattern, providing structural integrity and a unique tactile experience, and can be integrated with an inflatable or solid core and illumination features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional smooth ball is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ball lacks tactile engagement and gripping surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding tactile elements (protrusions, dimples, or textured patterns) only to specific regions of the ball surface rather than making the entire surface complex. This allows the ball to maintain a simple overall structure while providing enhanced tactile engagement and gripping surfaces in contact areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining a base ball material with additional tactile surface materials or coatings. This creates a multi-layered structure where the core ball maintains its simple construction while the outer tactile layer provides enhanced grip and sensory feedback.
2Ease of operation
If a tactile surface with protrusions is added to the ball, then the gripping surface is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tactile surface into discrete protrusions, dimples, or modular textured elements rather than creating a continuous complex surface. These segmented elements can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall construction process while providing effective grip points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curvature principles by designing protrusions and surface elements that follow spherical geometric patterns. This allows the tactile features to conform naturally to the ball's round shape, maintaining structural simplicity while providing consistent grip characteristics across the entire surface.
3Reliability
If the ball is made with traditional materials, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the ball lacks enhanced durability and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining traditional ball materials with modern high-performance materials such as thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, or polyvinyl chlorides. These composite materials provide enhanced durability, impact resistance, and safety features while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing processes through injection molding or extrusion 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 tactile surface enhances the play experience with a unique feel and grip, while the elastomer material ensures durability and safety, and the illumination feature adds visual appeal and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The base of each tear-dropped shaped mass may be in contact with the base of each adjacent tear-dropped shaped mass or globule to completely cover the outer surface. This can provide additional structural integrity where the base is bonded to the base of each surrounding globule.
Implementation Method 2
Each tear-dropped shaped mass deposited on the outer surface may be a polymer with elastic properties (elastomer), such as, for example, rubber, silicon rubber, polyisoprene or polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, etc.
Data Source
AI summary
An object with a tactile outer layer includes, for example, a ball having an outer surface and a series of protrusions or spikes on the outer surface. The protrusion each appear as a tear-dropped shape mass that includes a base having a relatively flat bottom adhered to the outer surface of the ball and a narrow tip and/or curved tail extending away from the outer surface.Manufacturing can be performed by mounting the object and utilizing injection arms that deposit elastomer globules on the object. The globules are deposited by pressure through a reservoir in the injection arm and the injection arms are then withdrawn to product the tail shape.