Hardness Measuring Device for Catching Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for evaluating the hardness of catching tools for baseball or softball rely on user sensation, making it difficult to quantify and adjust the hardness accurately, leading to inefficiencies in production and customer service.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first side portion, a second side portion, a pedestal unit, a load unit, a measuring unit, and a holding unit, which applies a load to the catching tool and measures the movement distance and load change to quantify its hardness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user sensation is used to evaluate hardness, then the evaluation method is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective mechanical sensation evaluation with an objective measurement system using a load cell to detect force and a linear scale to detect displacement. This substitution transforms the evaluation from qualitative user feeling to quantitative mechanical measurement, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
2Loss of time
If individual sense evaluation is used, then the evaluation process is quick, but the manufacturing precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements objective mechanical measurement using load cells and linear scales to replace subjective human evaluation. This enables precise quantitative data collection that can be used for accurate manufacturing control, resolving the contradiction between fast evaluation and precise manufacturing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an objective copy of the hardness evaluation process through mechanical measurement systems that replicate and quantify the pressing action. This allows precise measurement without requiring repeated subjective evaluations, reducing time loss while improving manufacturing precision.
3Measurement precision
If quantitative measurement is implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement device into distinct functional modules: a pressing mechanism for applying force, a load cell for measuring force, a linear scale for measuring displacement, and a control unit for processing data. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving high measurement precision while keeping the overall device structure manageable and modular.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment is performed manually by store staff, then the adaptability is good, but the productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives measurement data from the load cell and linear scale, compares it with target values, and automatically controls the pressing mechanism to adjust the catching tool until the desired hardness is achieved. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adaptation to customer requirements while significantly improving productivity by eliminating manual trial-and-error adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement and adjustment system operates autonomously without requiring store staff intervention. The device automatically measures the current hardness, calculates the required adjustment, and executes the adjustment process, making the system self-sufficient and dramatically improving productivity while maintaining full adaptability to different customer preferences.
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 the quantitative evaluation of the catching tool's hardness, allowing for precise adjustments and improving production efficiency and customer service by eliminating reliance on user sensation.
Implementation Method 1
The load unit applies a load to the measurement object by moving the second side portion with respect to the first side portion such that the first side portion presses one side surface and the second side portion presses a symmetrical side surface
Implementation Method 2
The measuring unit is able to measure, in a state where the load acts on the measurement object, at least one of a movement distance of the second side portion with respect to the first side portion and a change amount of the load
Data Source
AI summary
An object hardness measuring device includes a first side portion, a second side portion, a pedestal unit, a load unit, a measuring unit, and a holding unit. The load unit applies a load to the measurement object. The measuring unit is able to measure, in a state where the load acts on the measurement object, at least one of a movement distance of the second side portion with respect to the first side portion and a change amount of the load when the second side portion is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position. The holding unit is able to hold the measurement object, and is movable between the first side portion and the second side portion by the slide rail unit.