UV-Cured Grip Pack for Surfboards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sporting equipment surfaces, such as surfboards, lack a comprehensive solution for providing a slip-resistant, water-resistant, and antibacterial interface that enhances user interaction and durability while being customizable and ecologically friendly.
Innovation Solution
A grip pack comprising substrates printed with ultraviolet curable ink, featuring a top printable layer, a middle adhesive layer, and a bottom removable layer, which are non-silicone and designed to conform to the shape of sporting equipment, providing a slip-resistant, water-resistant, and antibacterial surface. The substrates are aligned, adhered, and smoothed to ensure a secure, durable, and customizable grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surfboard wax is applied to the deck surface to provide slip-resistant properties, then the user's grip is improved, but the surface becomes water-absorbent and susceptible to bacterial growth over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a decal with a porous top layer having controlled pore sizes (5-50 microns) that changes the surface parameters to allow water to sit on top rather than absorb. The porous structure combined with hydrophobic coating creates a surface that maintains slip-resistance while preventing water absorption and bacterial growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a porous top layer (polymer foam or similar material), an adhesive middle layer, and a removable bottom layer. This composite material combination provides slip-resistance through the porous texture while the hydrophobic coating prevents water absorption and bacterial contamination.
2Reliability
If traditional surfboard deck surfaces are used, then the board maintains its original weight and structure, but the surface lacks comprehensive protection against slipping, water damage, and bacterial contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (slip-resistance, water-repellency, bacterial protection, and customization) into a single decal application. The decal combines a porous top layer for grip, adhesive middle layer for bonding, and removable bottom layer for easy installation, providing comprehensive protection in one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The decal serves multiple functions simultaneously: the porous top layer provides slip-resistance, the hydrophobic coating prevents water absorption and bacterial growth, and the adhesive layer ensures secure bonding. This multi-functional design protects the surfboard surface comprehensively while adding customization options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom images are printed on the surfboard deck, then user personalization is enhanced, but the surface may compromise slip-resistance and water-resistance properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the printed decal overlay to specific local areas of the surfboard deck where customization is desired, rather than requiring the entire surface to be reprinted. The porous top layer is applied over the custom image, ensuring that the printed areas maintain slip-resistance and water-resistance properties while allowing personalization.
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 solution provides a superior gripping surface that is durable, resistant to wear, and environmentally friendly, enhancing user safety and equipment longevity by preventing slipping and bacterial growth, while allowing for personalized customization through custom image printing.
Implementation Method 1
The images are printed with ultraviolet curable ink
Data Source
AI summary
A grip pack for providing a slip-resistant, water-resistant, and antibacterial surface to a piece of sporting equipment including at least three substrates printed with images. The images are printed with ultraviolet curable ink and the substrates are non-silicone. Each substrate includes a top printable layer, a middle adhesive layer, and a bottom removable layer. The top printable layer is printed with an image. The bottom removable layer is removable from each substrate printed with an image to expose the middle adhesive layer. The middle adhesive layer is configured to adhere the top printable layer to a surface of the piece of sporting equipment. Each substrate printed with an image and each image printed with ultraviolet curable ink is smoothed flat to conform to the shape of the piece of sporting equipment and provide a smooth protective layer with the slip-resistant, water-resistant, and antibacterial surface.