Double First Base Anchor Retrofit Without Digging or Concrete
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing first bases in baseball and softball are prone to costly anchoring methods that require digging and concrete installation, and elongate bases bend or shift under torsional forces during collisions, posing injury risks.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a first plate with an anchor aperture and connection apertures to secure a fielder and runner base, resisting angular movement and distributing impact forces, and a second plate to bolster the runner base's position, using existing anchor posts for secure retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If costly anchoring measures (digging and concrete) are used to anchor the runner base to the ground, then the runner base stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plate as an intermediary component that connects the runner base to the existing first base anchor. This plate serves as a mediator that transfers anchoring forces from the existing base structure to the new runner base, eliminating the need for separate ground anchoring of the runner base while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it anchors the runner base to the ground, prevents angular movement, and distributes impact forces. By making the plate multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate anchoring mechanisms, reducing both cost and installation complexity while maintaining runner base stability
2Device complexity
If an elongate base is used to include both fielder base portion and runner base portion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the structural reliability deteriorates due to bending and shifting under torsional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the base system into separate components: the existing first base (fielder base) and the new runner base, connected by a plate. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and prevents the torsional bending issues that occur in elongate bases, as each base can be anchored separately through the plate mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is designed as a composite structure that combines different material properties to resist both angular movement and impact forces. The plate may incorporate reinforced structures or composite materials that provide both flexibility for installation and rigidity for withstanding torsional and impact loads
3Stability of the object's composition
If the first plate is designed to mechanically engage and resist angular movement of the ground anchor, then the runner base stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The plate incorporates localized structural features (such as ribs, recesses, or protrusions) at specific locations to resist angular movement and distribute impact forces. Rather than making the entire plate complex, the design applies structural reinforcement only where needed, maintaining overall simplicity while achieving the required stability
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for adapting a first base to a double first base having a fielder base and a runner base. The apparatus may include a first plate. The first plate may define a top face, a bottom face, a first side, and a second side. The first plate may include an anchor aperture defined on the first side. The anchor aperture may be shaped to receive a ground anchor of a fielder base. The second side may be configured to be secured to a runner base. The first plate may further include one or more teeth protruding from the bottom face on the second side. The anchor aperture may be shaped such that the first plate mechanically engages and resists angular movement of the ground anchor relative to the first plate.