Technical Description

Abel Jacob 

Prof. Rodwell

Writing For Engineers

04/03/2023

Item: Yonex Carbonex 8000 Plus Badminton Racket

Outline of Contents–

Item: Yonex Carbonex 8000 Plus Badminton Racket

Overview & History.……………………………………………………………………………..2

Racket……………………………………………………………………………………………2

Case.……………………………………………………………………………………………..3

—Racket Subparts:

• Strings……………………………………………………………………………………4
• Grommets………………………………………………………………………………..4
• Frame…………………………………………………………………………………….4
• Connecting Tube………………………………………………………………………..5
• Racket Handle…………………………………………………………………………..5
• Grip……………………………………………………………………………………….6
• Tape………………………………………………………………………………………6
• Branded Cap…………………………………………………………………………….6

—Case Subparts:

• Case Material……………………………………………………………………………7
• Zip…………………………………………………………………………………………7
• Zip Runner……………………………………………………………………………….7
• Buckle…………………………………………………………………………………….8
• Shoulder Strap…………………………………………………………………………..8

Conclusion

References

Overview & History of Badminton

Badminton is a sport beloved by many and a popular sport played for fun. It is featured and especially popular in countries like Japan, China, Korea, and India. The roots of the sport can be traced to ancient Greece, China, and India, and it is closely related to the old children’s game battledore and shuttlecock. Poona, a game played by British army officers stationed in India in the 1860s, is directly related to badminton. The sport was first played at the duke of Beaufort’s country home, Badminton, where it still exists today. The Bath Badminton Club was founded in 1887, and the Badminton Association of England, which formalized the regulations that currently apply to competitive play, took its place in 1893. This sport has either 2 or 4 players playing against each other, trying to hit a shuttlecock (birdie) over a net and touch the floor. This sport requires 3 simple items, a shuttlecock, a net, and finally a badminton racket. The rackets are composed of metal and have intertwined strings which create tension to hit the birdie. The technical innovation used with this item started with wood and cloth strings. These were used to initially play the sport and over time when welding and metalworking became popular, rackets started to be produced out of metal and a stronger yet light variation. This allowed for improvements not only in the world, but the sport as a whole, introducing varied metal rackets designed for a player’s style.

Racket & Case Overview

The Yonex Carbonex 8000 Plus Badminton Racket has two main parts, the racket itself and the carrying case it is stored inside. Among these two parts are several subparts that make up the items and serve their own individual purpose for the function of the objects. The racket is made up of 8 subparts. The dimensions of the racket itself are as follows, length-647.7mm, width at head-220mm, and the weight is 0.88g. Strings, Grommets, Frame, Connecting Tube, Handle, Grip, Tape, and a branded Cap are the 8 individual subparts that are included within this item. This racket has a skinny neck of the racket while sporting a wider head made for a surface area large enough to hit the shuttle

The case is made up of 5 subparts which include the Casing Material, Zip, Zipper Runner, Buckle, and Shoulder Strap. The dimensions are as follows, length-647.7mm, width at head-220mm, and weighs 90 grams. The case is designed for premium protection from rust and dirt while also providing an easy and accessible form of moving the racket.

Racket Subparts – Top to Bottom

Strings

The strings are an integral part of the racket, they provide all functionality and the main force of the game is directed by these strings. They are composed of a high-polymer nylon multifilament which allows for a tough exterior which decreases chances of breakage while increasing shot power and accuracy. The strings on this particular racket are white with a red Yonex logo on it. They are arranged in a checkered pattern which increases the tension and overall power when hitting a birdie. These strings are 0.65mm in width and the length can vary anywhere from 220mm to 280mm. One of the interesting parts about this subpart is that it can be changed. Once broked, the strings as a whole can be unthreaded, removed, and replaced. 

Grommets

There are grommets which go with the strings on this racket. These items are positioned around the racket and inserted into the frame to keep the strings tightened and in place while playing and during the lifespan of the racket. They are black in color, cylindrical in shape, made of plastic and are threaded into the frame of the racket after threading to ensure a tight and tense fit for the racket. 

Racket Frame

The frame of the racket is one of the defining characteristics of a badminton racket as it shows off the colors and the style of a player. The frame is used to hold together the strings and grommets while being connected to the handle through the connective tube. This specific racket has a frame made of graphite, a very light and easily maneuverable element. This allows for an easy flow of handling when playing and less exhaustion for the user. This racket generates lesser torque as it is designed to transmit the force from its shaft to its frame. The frame is colored white and red with yellow and black accents. “DURA-Frame” is printed on the head to emphasize the increased durability presented in this racket through its graphite exterior. It also sports the Yonex logo on the neck and has the name and a short description of the racket on the shaft of the frame.

Connecting Tube

The connecting tube is a very small yet important part of the racket as it allows for the main connection of the two crucial parts of the racket, the frame and the handle. This tube is a cone shape with a smaller opening for the shaft of the frame and a larger one which clasps onto the handle. It is red in color and has the Yonex logo and title written in white. Similar to the frame of the handle, it is made of graphite but denser in order to provide a stable connection between the two parts. 

Racket Handle

The handle is the second crucial part of the racket as it is what the player uses to hold the racket and control any impact or power produced by the racket. The handle is typically made of wood, a medium grade as cheaper woods can snap easily and higher grade wood can be too heavy for a purpose like a lightweight sporting equipment. It is hidden under the grip of the racket. 

Grip

The grip of the racket is a protective piece of polyethylene(PU). Polyurethane grips provide comfort and acts as a cushion between your fingers and the racket handle as shown in Figure H. They are also good sweat and shock absorbers. These grips are black and have engraved portions for extensive grip. This grip protects the hands from injuries with the wood base and can allow for a more fluid experience when playing. 

Tape

The tape on the racket is a small addition which adds to the protective nature of the rackets and how they function. It is similar to black electrical tape and secures the grip in place while playing. Unlike many of the other parts of this racket, it can be changed out and is viewed on the far left of Figure H. 

Handle Cap

The final part of this racket appears on the very bottom. It is a branded cap which has the Yonex title and logo on it. This part of the racket is purely for security and branding. It adds a flashy side to the look of the racket and holds the grip and handle in place. It is green in color and is made of a light plastic. 

Case Subparts – Top to Bottom 

Case Material

The case of the racket is made for protective purposes. In order to keep the racket away from water, dirt, and breakage, the case is used as a protective measure. This case is made of high grade polyester which resists scratches and water while being able to fit 2 rackets comfortably in it. Like most of this product, it has the Yonex title and logo printed in white and the color of the case is black. The dimensions of this case are L:71.8cm W:18cm H:28.9cm. 

Zip

The zip is a very common item found in many objects that require an open/close function. This zip is emblazoned with the Yonex logo and a shiny silver color as seen in the picture of the case featured at the beginning. It is made of stainless steel and has engraved portions to enhance grip and make it easier to use. 

Zip Runner

The zipper runner goes along with the zip as it is the device which allows the opening and closing function to happen. It consists of grooves used to transport the zipper from one end to the other which opens and closes the case. It also is made out of metal and is colored black

Buckle

The buckle on the case (See F3) is used with the shoulder strap to secure it in place and vary the length for usage. It is black and made of plastic. It has two grooves to allow for a specific length to be allotted for the strap. This allows for ease of carrying it. 

Shoulder Strap

The shoulder strap is the last part of the case and is used to hold the case more easily. It is made of a polyester fabric which is threaded and twined together to create a comfortable strap to carry. It is black and is used often for length shortening or increases.

Conclusion

The Yonex Carbonex 8000 Plus Badminton Racket is a racket made for quality of play, lightweight attributes and a racket that feels powerful when using it. It is used in many professional games played even to the extent of the Olympics and is used for casual and competitive play all around the world. Although better versions of this item exist, this racket provides an even playing field for beginners and experts alike. It boasts lightweight capabilities, powerful threaded strings, and a comfortable handle which all contribute to the overall racket design and quality. The Carbonex Racket has very few flaws, being designed to be a racket used by professionals in intense games, one that is both strong and reliable.

References 

1. (Yonex, 2019)
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HBA0WB8?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_96RXZTVS9NZ25VT1WVCQ 
2. (TRMESports, 2019)
   https://www.trmesports.com/products/yonex-badminton-racket-butt-cap-end