Batting Ball Cable Mounting for Continuous Swing Practice

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional batting practices require extensive time, resources, and equipment, failing to promote proper muscle memory and hand-eye coordination, as they are complex to set up, require multiple individuals, and do not allow for continuous batting with minimal delays.

Innovation Solution

A batting system featuring a cable with a low friction surface, where balls are slidably mounted using a bushing with a central opening and attached to a line, allowing for independent continuous practice, with an impact absorbing member to absorb kinetic energy and prevent damage, and washers to prevent ball penetration by fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional batting practices are used, then batting practice can be conducted, but it requires extensive time, multiple people, and complex equipment setup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebatting practice efficiencyVSAvoidequipment and setup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (ball delivery, ball retrieval, ball positioning) into a single cable-mounted ball system that moves along a predetermined path, eliminating the need for separate equipment for each function and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ball automatically returns to the starting position after being hit by sliding along the cable back to its initial location, enabling continuous practice without requiring another person to reset the ball for each swing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If conventional batting practices are used, then batting can be performed, but delays occur between each swing due to manual ball retrieval and repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous batting capabilityVSAvoidtime delay between swings

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable-mounted ball system maintains continuous motion along the cable path, ensuring the ball is always available for the next swing without interruption or delay, as it automatically returns to position after each impact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If conventional batting practices are used, then batting practice can occur, but proper muscle memory and hand-eye coordination are not enforced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle memory developmentVSAvoidindependence of practice

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable system provides consistent visual and physical feedback by maintaining a fixed, predictable ball trajectory and position, allowing batters to develop reliable muscle memory through repeated practice with consistent conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If a cable system is used to mount balls, then continuous batting is enabled, but the ball may be penetrated by fasteners upon impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous swing capabilityVSAvoidball damage from fastener penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the cable above and behind the ball rather than directly through it, so that upon impact the ball cannot strike the cable with sufficient force to cause penetration, providing protective cushioning against potential damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 efficient, independent batting practice with improved muscle memory development by allowing continuous swings with reduced setup and equipment needs, while protecting the balls and system components from impact damage.

Implementation Method 1

a cable having a low friction surface including, but not limited to, nylon, rubber, vinyl, or plastic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

an impact absorbing member to absorb kinetic energy and prevent damage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS9314681B2Batting ball on a cable having a low friction surface to provide proper swing technique and muscle memory

Publication Date: 2016.04.19 PALARDIS CHARLES STEVEN

AI summary

A batting ball is slidably mounted on a line having a low friction surface to provide proper swing technique and muscle memory. The line has an impact absorbing member having an impact end configured to contact a ball and a receiving chamber configured to receive a resilient member adapted to connect with a portion of a washer. A bushing having a helical portion with a central opening is inserted and affixed into a ball opening. The ball opening has a recess configured to retain an end portion of the bushing. The central opening of the bushing will receive the line. The plurality of balls are mounted onto the line with a washer located at each end between the attaching elements and the balls. A swivel snap hook is connected to an end of the cable by a thimble and clamp set located opposite the hook and eye turn buckle.