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Originally Posted by Freman
Baraka, why do basketballs, soccer balls and footballs lose their air over time?
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To inflate sporting balls, modern technology uses a simple, yet highly effective
valve mechanism. The robust design is such that it allows for the ease of inflatability while ensuring high performance.
It is a common observation to notice that, over time, sporting balls will lose their air pressure. This, I assure you, is built purposely into the valve design for safety purposes. A ball without such a mechanism risks such things as unintentional rupture, which not only results in irreversible damage to the ball but may also injure nearby parties.
Below I have included some basic diagrams that depict the common sporting ball air valve from varying angles and, in some cases, I've included ones displaying specific details. This design is used in most products available on the market for both the professional and the amateur.
Bear in mind, however, that these diagrams have been simplified for the distinct purpose of educating the layman. However, it is worthwhile to note that the elegant simplicity that you see below in the air valve design is maintained even when viewing schematics meant for the engineer and manufacturer. So while the diagrams below may make the technology seem deceptively simple, it is indeed an intended part of the design.
Enjoy.
