Transparent Racket Frame with Integral Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rackets for ball games have complex internal structures that are not visible, affecting their mechanical stability and maintenance, as transparent plastic elements may compromise rigidity and break resistance.
Innovation Solution
Integrally bonding transparent or translucent portions made from materials like transparent resin and glass fibers to the frame, allowing visibility of internal structures without compromising mechanical stability, using a single forming process to create a cohesive and transparent frame profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If transparent or translucent portions are incorporated into the frame to make internal structures visible, then visibility and ease of inspection are improved, but mechanical stability and break resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with localized transparent or translucent portions at specific areas where visibility is needed (such as the neck portion and bridge area), while other areas maintain traditional opaque carbon fiber construction. This allows internal structures to be visible where important for inspection while preserving mechanical strength in critical load-bearing areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent portions are constructed using composite materials that combine transparency with structural integrity. The patent describes using transparent resin matrices combined with reinforcement elements to create portions that are both visible and mechanically sound, allowing the frame to maintain overall strength while providing visual access to internal structures.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple process steps are used to bond transparent portions to the frame, then visibility is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent portions are integrated into the frame manufacturing process itself, rather than being added as separate components. The patent describes forming the transparent portions and bonding them to the carbon fiber frame in a single molding operation, which combines multiple steps (frame construction, transparent portion formation, and bonding) into one unified process, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent portions are pre-formed with bonding surfaces and attachment features before being integrated with the main frame structure. This preliminary preparation allows for seamless integration in the final molding step, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly operations and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If transparent plastic elements are added to the frame, then visibility of internal structures is improved, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent portions are merged with the frame structure through integral bonding in a single molding process, creating a unified component rather than separate parts. This approach maintains ease of inspection while avoiding the complexity of multiple discrete components and their associated assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a racket for ball games having a frame comprising a head portion for receiving a stringing and a handle portion for gripping the racket, wherein the frame comprises at least one transparent or translucent portion formed from a transparent or translucent material, said transparent or translucent portion being integrally bonded to the remaining frame. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a racket is described.