Angled Cross-Beam Batting Tee for Swing Path Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing batting tees do not provide guidance on the swing path for hitting a ball, limiting the development of proper muscle memory for hitting a moving or stationary ball.
Innovation Solution
A batting tee with a cross-beam positioned at an angle on the support, serving as a guide for the upward swing path, and an adjustable height feature to accommodate various user heights and ball positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional batting tee with a vertical support and horizontal holder is used, then the device allows individuals to practice hitting a stationary ball, but it provides no guidance on the swing path
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into functional components: a vertical support for height adjustment, a horizontal holder for ball positioning, and an angled cross-beam for swing path guidance. Each segment serves a specific instructional function, allowing the device to provide comprehensive swing guidance without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a third dimensional element (the angled cross-beam) to the traditional two-dimensional batting tee structure. This cross-beam extends outward at an angle from the vertical support, creating a three-dimensional guide that indicates both horizontal and vertical swing path components, thereby providing spatial guidance without significantly increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the batting tee has a fixed height design, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate persons and ball positions of varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates adjustability, allowing the holder and cross-beam assembly to be positioned at various heights along the vertical support. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to different user heights and skill levels while maintaining a relatively simple telescoping or sliding mechanism that does not significantly increase overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support structure serves multiple functions: it accommodates different user heights, allows variation in ball positioning height, and enables the cross-beam to indicate different swing path angles. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while the adjustment mechanism remains integrated into the existing structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A batting tee and/or hitting training device is provided that includes a platform, a support extending upwardly from the platform and a holder disposed on the support opposite the platform for holding the ball to be hit. The support additionally includes a cross-beam disposed on the support adjacent the holder. The cross-beam can be positioned at an angle with regard to the support, such that the cross-beam has an upward slope from one end to the other. This slope enables the batting tee to provide the individual with a guide for an upward swing path of the bat towards the ball disposed on the holder.