Leg Drive Measuring Apparatus for Baseball Pitchers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leg drive measuring apparatuses for baseball and softball pitchers are cumbersome and unreliable, particularly when used outdoors, as they require a display device and are dependent on proper contact with the pressure transducer element.
Innovation Solution
A pitching training apparatus with a lower ground engaging plate and an upper pitcher's foot supporting plate, which are linearly movable relative to each other, incorporating a force measuring element such as a load cell or spring mechanism, providing a consistent output indicative of leg drive force, and optionally including an audible sound feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure transducer element is integrated into the pitching rubber, then leg drive force can be measured, but the apparatus becomes cumbersome and requires a display device for outdoor use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure transducer element from the pitching rubber and relocates it to a separate measuring device that can be positioned independently. This allows the rubber to remain simple while the measurement function is isolated in a dedicated component, reducing overall system complexity and eliminating the need for integrated display devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed to work with multiple types of pitching rubbers and can be used by different pitchers. The universal design allows the same apparatus to serve various measurement purposes without requiring customization, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall system.
2Measurement precision
If the pressure transducer element is located on the front surface of the pitching rubber, then measurement can be performed, but the output becomes unreliable due to dependence on proper contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary platform or base that positions the pressure transducer element optimally relative to the pitching rubber. This intermediary component ensures consistent contact and force transmission regardless of variations in pitcher technique or rubber positioning, thereby improving measurement reliability while maintaining measurement capability.
3Loss of information
If a display device is used to show leg drive pressure profile, then measurement data can be visualized, but the apparatus becomes cumbersome for outdoor use on baseball fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical display systems with simpler output mechanisms such as digital displays integrated into the measuring device itself, or alternative feedback methods that do not require large external display equipment. This substitution maintains data visualization capability while significantly improving portability and ease of use in outdoor field conditions.
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
The apparatus allows for reliable and consistent measurement of leg drive force, enhancing usability and training effectiveness without the need for a display device, providing immediate feedback to pitchers.
Implementation Method 1
A force measuring element is provided between the upper and lower plates whereby, by pushing against the upper plate while pitching, the upper plate moves linearly and the force element exhibits an output indicative of the pitcher's leg drive
Implementation Method 2
A spring element is provided between the upper and lower plates whereby, by pushing against the upper plate while pitching, the upper plate moves linearly and the spring element exhibits an output indicative of the pitcher's leg drive
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring a baseball and softball pitcher's “leg drive” for training and coaching purposes and for developing a strong leg drive. The apparatus includes a lower ground engaging plate and an upper pitcher's foot supporting plate. The plates are slidingly secured to one another such that the upper plate is linearly moveable relative to the lower plate. A force measuring element is provided between the upper and lower plates. A pitchers rubber is secured to the upper plate. A pitcher uses the apparatus by stepping on the upper plate and pushing against the rubber while pitching, thereby linearly moving the upper plate against the element. The element thereby provides an output indicative of the pitcher's leg drive. The element can be a load cell or a spring mechanism. An audible sound is generated when the spring force is overcome.