Adjustable Pitching Trainer With Elastic Grid Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pitching trainers have fixed dimensions and are not adaptable to different user heights or effective for practicing drop pitches, limiting their versatility for training a range of athletes from elementary school to college levels.
Innovation Solution
A versatile, multi-zone pitching target assembly with adjustable height and angle, featuring a base frame, pivotally coupled struts, and elastic cords defining grid zones with netting pockets, allowing for customizable training zones and simulation of drop pitches by positioning the target frame at an acute angle relative to the base plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pitching trainers have fixed dimensions, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different user heights and skill levels is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The target frame is made adjustable in height along the struts, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the target zones to match different user heights and skill levels. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to various training needs without requiring multiple different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitching trainer is designed with universal applicability through adjustable height and angle settings, enabling it to serve multiple functions across different user groups from elementary to college levels. The same device can be configured for different strike zones and drop pitch practices, eliminating the need for multiple specialized trainers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pitching trainers have fixed dimensions, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the versatility for training different skill levels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The target frame is divided into adjustable segments that can be positioned at different heights along the struts. This segmentation allows the same basic structure to be configured for different skill levels and training objectives, significantly enhancing versatility while using the same manufactured components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing key parameters such as target frame height and angle of struts to adapt to different training needs. By enabling parameter adjustments rather than manufacturing different fixed-dimension devices, the patent achieves versatility without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the target frame is positioned at an acute angle, then drop pitches can be effectively practiced, but the target frame cannot be used for traditional vertical strike zone training
Solution Approach 1:
The struts are designed to be pivotally coupled, allowing dynamic adjustment of the angle between the target frame and base plane. This enables the system to switch between vertical positioning for traditional strike zone training and acute angle positioning for drop pitch practice, providing operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitching trainer achieves multi-functionality by enabling both vertical and angled configurations of the target frame. This allows a single device to serve both traditional strike zone training and specialized drop pitch practice, eliminating the need for separate training devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the target zones are of fixed dimensions, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to tailor training zones for specific purposes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The target frame is segmented into adjustable sections that can be positioned at different locations along the struts. This segmentation enables customization of training zone dimensions and positions to match specific training objectives, while the adjustment mechanisms remain relatively simple and modular.
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
Enables tailored training for various skill levels by adjusting zone sizes and angles, effectively simulating the strike zone and allowing practice of drop pitches, enhancing the training experience for pitchers.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of vertically extending elastic cords extending from and between the pair of lateral members, the vertically extending elastic cords including terminations at opposed ends thereof, a plurality of horizontally extending elastic cords extending from and between the pair of side members
Data Source
AI summary
A pitching target assembly for training baseball or softball pitchers. A target defines a plurality of zones, each being backed by a pocket or pouch for catching the baseball or softball. The height of the target can be adjusted to match that of a batter. The zones of the target may be adjusted as well, to tailor the targeting within the zone for specific purposes. The target may also be configured at an acute angle relative to a base plane of the pitching target assembly for practicing drop pitches.