Bat Swing Training Assembly With Casting and Attack Angle Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current batting tees do not provide feedback or guidance regarding the desired swing path, casting, attack angle, or launch angle for baseball and softball batters, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A swing training apparatus with an adjustable base assembly, ball arm assembly, and casting indicator assembly that provides feedback on swing path, casting, and attack angle, including a swing trajectory guide to align the bat with the ball path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional batting tee is used, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but it provides no feedback or guidance on swing path, casting, attack angle, or launch angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through multiple indicator assemblies: a casting indicator assembly with a casting arm and indicator that provides visual feedback on hand casting, and a trajectory guide with attack angle indicators that provide feedback on bat attack angle. These indicators give real-time visual information to the batter about their swing mechanics without requiring complex electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses physical intermediary elements such as the casting arm that extends into the batter's swing path and the trajectory guide that physically defines the desired attack angle. These intermediaries serve as tangible references that mediate between the batter's swing and the desired technique, providing guidance without requiring complex sensing or processing systems.
2Productivity
If no swing path guidance is provided, then the apparatus is simple, but the batter cannot achieve optimal swing paths or improve reaction time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the casting arm and trajectory guide to define the optimal swing path and attack angle before the batter begins their swing. The casting arm is positioned to indicate the desired hand path, and the trajectory guide is set at the correct attack angle, providing advance guidance that helps the batter execute the correct swing mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional guidance by introducing the casting arm that operates in the horizontal plane to indicate swing path, while the trajectory guide operates in the vertical plane to indicate attack angle. This multi-dimensional approach provides comprehensive guidance across different spatial dimensions of the swing without requiring overly complex equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If attack angle guidance is not provided, then the device remains simple, but the batter cannot control ball trajectory effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators with different colors or markings on the trajectory guide to indicate different attack angles. The guide includes degree markings and visual references that change or differentiate based on the angle setting, providing clear visual feedback to the batter about the correct attack angle for different ball trajectories.
Solution Approach 2:
The trajectory guide is designed to be adjustable and dynamic, allowing the attack angle to be changed based on the desired ball trajectory. The guide can be repositioned or reconfigured to provide guidance for different swing scenarios, making the system adaptable to various training needs while maintaining relatively simple construction.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a swing training apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes an adjustable base assembly having an adaptor adapted to connect the adjustable base assembly to a support and a rotating carrier connected to the support, a ball arm assembly connected to the support, and a casting indicator assembly connected to the rotating carrier. The casting indicator assembly includes a casting arm and a casting indicator connected to the casting arm proximate a second end of the casting arm. The casting indicator extends away from the casting arm along a casting indicator axis. The casting indicator includes bat contact indicators that extend away from an indicator base. Further, the indicator base is aligned with the casting indicator axis. Rotation of the rotating carrier relative to the adjustable base assembly causes corresponding rotation of the casting indicator assembly.