Variable Lobular Game Ball Surface for Central Grip Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game balls lack enhanced gripping capabilities, particularly in the central regions between the poles, which can affect handling and performance during gameplay.
Innovation Solution
The game ball features a variable lobular outer surface with recessed channels that vary in width, depth, and cross-sectional shape, providing additional grip points and improved handling characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional spherical game ball surface is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the gripping capability is insufficient especially in central regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating variable lobular protrusions and recessed channels at specific locations on the ball surface. The lobular protrusions are concentrated in central regions between opposite poles where gripping is most needed, while the poles themselves have different characteristics. This localized modification enhances gripping capability exactly where it is most beneficial without unnecessarily complicating the entire surface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ball surface into distinct lobular protrusions separated by recessed channels. This segmentation creates multiple discrete grip points distributed across the surface, allowing players to easily locate and grasp the ball. The segmented structure also maintains some simplicity by using repetitive modular elements rather than complex continuous patterns.
2Ease of operation
If recessed channels with varying width and depth are introduced, then grip points are increased, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the width and depth of recessed channels and the size of lobular protrusions according to their location on the ball. Central regions have larger lobular protrusions with greater spacing to provide prominent grip points, while polar regions have smaller features. This graduated parameter variation increases the number and effectiveness of grip points while maintaining manufacturability through consistent geometric progressions rather than arbitrary variations.
3Ease of operation
If variable lobular protrusions are created between poles, then handling performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating lobular protrusions that are larger and more prominent in the central regions between opposite poles, while the polar regions have smaller or different characteristics. This asymmetric distribution of surface features optimizes handling performance for the most common gripping positions (hands naturally grasp the ball at its equator) without adding unnecessary complexity to less-critical areas of the ball surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable loby game ball has an outer surface that includes a first pole, a second pole opposite the first pole and outer lobes. The outer lobes extend between the first pole and the second pole. Recessed channels that vary in at least one of width, depth and cross-sectional shape extend along consecutive lobes.