Tennis Ball Status Testing with Elastic-Force Deformation Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for testing tennis ball status are heavy, difficult to use, and apply user-dependent forces, leading to inconsistent deformation measurements, making it challenging to determine the ball's condition accurately.

Innovation Solution

A device with a base, top element, and elastic traction connector that moves between insertion and pressure positions, applying a uniform force to deform the ball, allowing precise measurement of deformation using a measurement instrument.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a force is applied to the tennis ball by user manipulation, then the deformation can be measured, but the force varies from user to user leading to inconsistent measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeformation measurement consistencyVSAvoiduser-dependent operation variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses its own elastic traction connector to automatically apply the required force to the tennis ball, eliminating the need for user manual force application. The elastic connector self-adjusts to provide consistent force, making the measurement process independent of user skill or strength variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical force application with an automated elastic mechanical system. The elastic traction connector substitutes for human fingers or hands, providing reproducible force application through elastic properties rather than human physiological variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If existing testing devices are used, then tennis ball status can be tested, but the devices are heavy and difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetennis ball status testing capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential functional components needed for tennis ball testing: a base, a movable top element, and an elastic traction connector. By removing unnecessary heavy components from existing devices, the design achieves the required testing capability with minimal weight while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs dynamic elements including a movable top element that can be positioned at insertion or pressure positions, and an elastic traction connector that dynamically adjusts to the ball's properties. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt to different ball conditions without requiring heavy rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual deformation measurement is used, then the device can be simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to small deformation values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoiddeformation detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic traction connector acts as an intermediary element between the user and the tennis ball. It amplifies the small deformation effects by converting them into measurable movements of the top element, making precise measurement possible while keeping the overall device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the measurement parameter from direct visual estimation of small deformations to measurement of the top element's position or movement, which is more easily quantified. The elastic connector transforms the ball's deformation into a measurable displacement parameter that can be precisely captured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables consistent and reliable deformation measurement independent of user force, facilitating quick determination of the ball's status and suitability for tennis or paddle games, enhancing precision and simplicity while reducing device weight and cost.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic traction connector movably connecting the base to the top element, such that the top element is movable between an insertion position for inserting the tennis ball into the cavity and a pressure position in which the top element forces the ball against the base by the effect of a traction exerted by the elastic traction connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4311582B1Testing the status of tennis balls

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 JARMEN INVERSIONES ACTIVAS S L U

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AI summary

A device and a method to test the status of a tennis ball are disclosed. The device is configured to receive a tennis ball and to provide a measurement of the status of the tennis ball. The method comprises providing a device for measuring the status of the ball, then inserting the tennis ball into a cavity of the device, forcing the ball to a base of the device and measuring the status of the ball.