Adaptable Harness Connector for Pitching Machine Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harness systems for connecting barriers to object projecting devices are not cost-effective, easily attachable, or easily retrofittable, and they fail to effectively protect the device and operators from projectiles while allowing for smooth object projection through the barrier.
Innovation Solution
A harness system with an adaptable connector that securely attaches a barrier to an object projecting device, featuring adjustable straps or resilient bands to fit different sizes, and a retractor assembly to prevent sagging, ensuring the barrier does not obstruct the object's flight path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid net harness is used to connect the barrier to the object projecting device, then the connection is stable and secure, but the system is difficult to attach and detach, and not cost-effective for retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system is divided into separate modular components: a barrier harness portion that attaches to the barrier, a device harness portion that attaches to the object projecting device, and connecting elements (straps with buckles, carabiners, or quick-connect mechanisms) that join them. This segmentation allows each component to be independently attached and detached, making the overall system easy to assemble and disassemble while maintaining secure connections through multiple attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness incorporates dynamic, adjustable elements such as webbing straps with buckles, carabiners, and quick-connect mechanisms that can be easily engaged and disengaged. These dynamic components allow the harness to adapt to different barrier and device configurations while providing secure, reliable connections when assembled, directly addressing the contradiction between connection stability and attachment ease.
2Reliability
If a custom-made harness system is designed for specific equipment, then the connection is optimized for that equipment, but the system is expensive and not easily retrofitted to existing barriers and devices
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system is designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can accommodate various barrier types (nets, fences, walls) and object projecting devices (pitching machines, goal posts, training equipment). The barrier harness portion can attach to different barrier structures using multiple attachment methods, while the device harness portion can secure to various device configurations. This universality allows a single harness design to be retrofitted to existing equipment without custom manufacturing, significantly reducing costs while maintaining reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness incorporates adjustable straps, buckles, and connecting elements that can be configured to fit different equipment sizes and shapes. This dynamic adjustability allows the same harness design to adapt to various barrier and device configurations, eliminating the need for custom-made solutions for each piece of equipment and enabling cost-effective retrofitting while maintaining optimized connections.
3Reliability
If the barrier is tightly secured to the object projecting device, then protection from projectiles is maximized, but the object projection through the barrier may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system separates the protective barrier function from the object projection path by strategically positioning attachment points. The barrier harness portion attaches to the barrier structure away from the projection opening, while the device harness portion secures to the device housing. This segmentation allows the barrier to be firmly anchored for maximum protection while maintaining an unobstructed projection path through the barrier opening, resolving the contradiction between protection effectiveness and projection efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If the barrier sags due to lack of support, then the system is easier to attach, but the barrier obstructs the object's flight path
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system incorporates preliminary support structures and tensioning mechanisms that are pre-configured to maintain barrier position. The barrier harness portion includes attachment points and support elements positioned to prevent sagging before objects are projected. This preliminary action ensures the barrier remains properly positioned in the unobstructed state needed for efficient object projection, while the attachment process itself remains simple through the use of pre-configured harness components.
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 system provides a cost-effective, easily attachable, and retrofittable solution that effectively protects the object projecting device and operators while allowing for seamless object projection through the barrier, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The connector (14) is secured to the barrier (18) using a fastener (16). The fastener (16) may include, but is not limited to, staples, stitches, adhesives, clips, resilient bands, and the like.
Implementation Method 2
The retractor (66) may be attached to the barrier (18) at a position that reduces sagging of the barrier (18) when the retractor (66) is retracted and engaged with the retraction receiver (71).
Data Source
AI summary
A harness connection system connects a barrier to an object projecting device to permit an object, such as a ball, to be projected from an exit opening in the object projecting device and passed through an opening in the barrier. The harness connection system has a harness with a connector having an adaptable periphery, a fastener securing the connector to the barrier, and a receiving anchor that receives and secures the connector. To inhibit sagging of the barrier, a retractor is connected to the barrier and to a retractor receiver to draw the barrier taut and away from the exit opening of the object projecting device.