Leg Guard Light Emitter for Catcher Signal Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The visibility of hand signals between a catcher's legs is diminished during night games or day games due to shadows and dark-colored equipment, making it difficult for pitchers to understand the signals.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device is integrated into a leg guard worn by the catcher, emitting light towards the catcher's fingers to enhance signal visibility, using a housing with a mount, sensor, and control system to adjust light direction and intensity based on the catcher's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the catcher positions the hand signal deep between the legs to hide it from the opposing team, then the signal concealment is improved, but the signal visibility to the pitcher deteriorates due to shadows and dark background
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using a light source that emits light in a wavelength different from the dark background color. The light source illuminates the hand signal with a color that contrasts with the dark equipment and shadow areas, making the signal visible to the pitcher while maintaining concealment from the opposing team. This resolves the contradiction by changing the optical properties of the signal area rather than moving the hand.
2Strength
If the catcher uses dark-colored equipment for protection, then the protective function is improved, but the signal visibility deteriorates due to the dark background
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing a light source that emits light with a wavelength contrasting to the dark equipment color. The light illuminates the hand signal area, creating a visible contrast against the dark protective equipment. This allows the catcher to maintain dark-colored protective gear while ensuring the hand signal remains visible to the pitcher through selective illumination.
3Illumination intensity
If the light-emitting device is added to the leg guard to improve signal visibility, then the signal visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-emitting device with the existing leg guard structure, integrating the illumination function into the protective equipment. The light source, power supply, and control components are incorporated into the leg guard's housing, creating a unified device that provides both protection and signal illumination without requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg guard is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as protective equipment and as a signal illumination device. The light-emitting device is integrated into the leg guard structure, allowing the same component to fulfill multiple functions: protecting the catcher's leg and illuminating the hand signal for pitcher communication.
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 light-emitting device significantly improves the visibility of hand signals by illuminating the signal area, ensuring clear communication between the catcher and pitcher even in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting device on the leg guard positioned for generating light to be directed toward the catcher's fingers to increase the visibility of hand signals
Data Source
AI summary
Catching gear to be worn by a catcher receiving a ball from a pitcher is disclosed. The gear comprises a leg guard adapted to be worn on one leg of the catcher, and a light-emitting device on the leg guard. The light-emitting device is positioned for generating light to be directed toward the catcher's fingers to increase the visibility of hand signals given by the catcher.