Batting Cable Anchoring Structure Prevents Turnbuckle Loosening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional baseball practice systems require extensive setup, multiple people, and equipment, failing to promote continuous batting with proper muscle memory and hand-eye coordination, and often result in damage to turnbuckles due to loosening from impact vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A compact batting system featuring a cable with a low-friction surface, a hook and eye turnbuckle, and swivel snap hook connected by fasteners, with a bushing system that allows balls to slide smoothly and absorb impact, along with an anchoring structure and tensioning device for easy setup and independent practice.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional batting practices are used, then multiple people and equipment are required for ball delivery and collection, but this increases device complexity and reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent batting practiceVSAvoidmultiple people and equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows a single user to independently conduct batting practice without requiring other individuals to pitch, retrieve, or collect balls. The automated ball delivery and retrieval mechanisms enable the user to service themselves throughout the practice session.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The batting system integrates multiple functions into a single device, including ball storage, automated ball delivery, batting practice, and ball retrieval. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate equipment for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If continuous batting is enabled, then productivity increases, but turnbuckle loosening from impact vibrations causes reliability issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous battingVSAvoidturnbuckle loosening

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates vibration damping elements and impact absorption mechanisms that are pre-installed to cushion against the vibrations generated during continuous batting. This beforehand cushioning prevents turnbuckle loosening before it occurs during practice sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful vibrations from impact into useful feedback for the batter while simultaneously using these vibrations to activate vibration damping mechanisms. The harmful vibrational energy is transformed into beneficial practice feedback and protective damping action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If simple setup is used, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability to different fields decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeasy setupVSAvoidfield compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow quick reconfiguration for different field conditions and locations. The dynamic design enables easy adaptation to various environments without requiring complex permanent installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The batting system is divided into modular segments that can be independently assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the system to be easily set up on different fields and adapted to various locations while maintaining simple operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 continuous, independent batting with improved muscle memory development and reduced equipment damage by preventing turnbuckle loosening, allowing for efficient and effective practice at any field with minimal setup.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10994181B1Batting ball on a cable having an anchoring structure

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 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. An anchoring structure has a first end located opposite a second end. The anchoring structure has a central bore receiving a threaded portion of the first distal end of the line. The first opening and the second opening of the first end of the anchoring structure receives at least a portion of a tensioning element. A portion of the tensioning element is connected to a second attaching element being a swivel snap hook.