Adjustable Baseball Hitting Device with Elastic Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hitting training devices for baseball and softball lack adjustability in height, leading to limited usage and potential damage to the ball and equipment, with manual retrieval of the ball wasting time and energy.
Innovation Solution
A hitting training device with a novel structure featuring adjustable height, a U-shaped ground nail for outdoor stability, and an elastic rope system for automatic ball retrieval and resetting, preventing ball damage and enhancing user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ball is placed on a fixed column for hitting training, then the structure is simple, but the ball height cannot be adjusted according to user height and stance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescopic column structure with multiple sections that can be extended or retracted to adjust the ball height. The column includes a main column and an extending column with telescopic components, allowing dynamic adjustment of ball position to match different user heights and stances, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The column is divided into multiple segments (main column and extending column with further subdivisions) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows for fine-grained height adjustment while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the ball is fixed on a column during hitting training, then the structure is simple, but the ball is easy to be hit on the column causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ball holder as an intermediary component between the column and the ball. The ball holder is positioned at the end of the telescopic column and provides a dedicated cradle or clamp to secure the ball, preventing direct contact between the ball and the column structure during hitting, thus protecting both the ball and equipment from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball holder structure is designed to absorb and distribute impact forces before they reach the column. By providing a cushioning interface between the ball and the support structure, the system prepares for potential impacts in advance, reducing the risk of damage to both the ball and the column.
3Productivity
If manual retrieval of the ball is required after hitting, then the structure is simple, but time and energy are wasted affecting training efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic ball retrieval system where the ball holder is connected to the telescopic column through a retractable mechanism. After the ball is hit and lands, the telescopic column automatically retracts, pulling the ball holder and the ball back to the starting position through the connection mechanism, enabling self-service ball retrieval without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable connection mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage and retrieve the ball after impact. The system prepares the retrieval action in advance by maintaining the retractable connection, so that as soon as the ball is hit, the retrieval process begins automatically, eliminating the need for manual ball collection and improving training continuity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the training device is used outdoors, then training flexibility is improved, but the device needs stable grounding which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the base of the training device with dual functionality: it can be assembled with grounding legs that feature ground nails for outdoor use on grass or soil, while the same base structure can be used indoors on flat surfaces by simply removing or folding the grounding legs. This universal design allows the device to adapt to both indoor and outdoor environments without requiring completely different grounding solutions.
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 device provides a stable and adjustable training experience, preventing ball damage and improving training efficiency through automatic ball retrieval and resetting, thus enhancing user experience and training effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
through the elastic force of the elastic rope, the ball mounting pipe, elastic rope and ball are pulled back to the original position
Implementation Method 2
the U-shaped ground nail can be inserted into the ground when used outdoors, so as the hitting training device for baseball and softball indoors and outdoors can be fixed wholly to be more stable
Data Source
AI summary
A hitting training device for baseball and softball indoors and outdoors is disclosed in the utility model, relating to the technical field of training device. The utility model comprises a main pipe, three connecting pipes are uniformly arranged in connection below the main pipe along the circumference; a base pipe is arranged in connection to each of the three connecting pipes; a swivel pipe is arranged in rotatory connection to the inner of the horizontal pipe; a ball mounting pipe is arranged in fixed connection to the swivel pipe; a mounting column is arranged in connection below the ball mounting pipe; a wire rope is arranged in connection below the mounting column; and a ball is arranged in connection below the wire rope. The utility model has a novel structure, reasonable design, adjustable height and better training effect.