Leg-Mounted Batting Trainer with Ball Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing batting training systems are difficult to transport, expensive, and ineffective in ensuring proper hip rotation and follow-through during a baseball swing.

Innovation Solution

A batting training system comprising a device secured to the user's leg, a stand assembly, and a plate that attaches to a ball, providing real-time feedback on swinging mechanics by ensuring proper hip rotation through attachment to the device's pads during a swing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional batting training systems are used to ensure proper hip rotation and follow through, then batting training effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebatting training effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The training system is divided into separate functional components: a wearable device with attachment surface that secures to the bat, and a separate ball with matching attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and inexpensive while the combination provides effective training feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment surface and ball act as intermediaries between the batter and the training feedback mechanism. The simple attachment interface mediates the interaction, providing effective hip rotation training without requiring complex electronic sensors or systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional batting training systems are used to ensure proper hip rotation and follow through, then batting training effectiveness is improved, but portability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebatting training effectivenessVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the system into a small wearable component and a standard ball, the system becomes highly portable. Each component is small and lightweight, allowing easy transport compared to large traditional training machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment surfaces use inexpensive Velcro® or similar materials that can be easily replaced if worn, making the system economical and portable without requiring expensive durable infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional batting training systems are used to provide training feedback, then training effectiveness is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining feedback effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment surfaces utilize inexpensive Velcro® or similar materials that are cheap to manufacture and replace. The ball and wearable device are simple constructions without expensive electronics, making the entire system cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism uses simple replicated surfaces (attachment surfaces on both the wearable device and ball) that provide the training feedback function without requiring expensive proprietary technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11583741B2Batting training system

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 NEWELL CHRISTOPHER J

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for batting practice. The method includes securing a baseball training device to a leg of a user; positioning a stand assembly adjacent to the user; and swinging a baseball bat such that a ball positioned on the stand assembly attaches to the plate of the device. The device includes a body and a plate attached to and extending outwardly from the body.