Netting Pitching Tunnel with Target Flap for Ball Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing batting cages do not provide a practical solution for pitching practice, as they lack functionality for simulating real pitching scenarios and do not offer a means to capture and retain thrown balls effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pitching tunnel made of netting with one open side, featuring a target area with indicia for accurate pitching and a containment region for caught balls, which can be supported by modular frameworks or attached to fixed structures, allowing for flexible and portable pitching practice without the need for rigid frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid frames are used to support the tunnel, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid frame structures with flexible netting material to form the tunnel walls. The netting is suspended between support points and maintains its shape through tension rather than rigid framing, thereby reducing device complexity and weight while preserving structural stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the rigid frame component entirely from the tunnel structure, extracting only the essential supportive function and replacing it with a simpler suspension system using netting and minimal anchoring points, thus reducing overall device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid frames are used to support the tunnel, then structural stability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible netting material allows the tunnel to be easily rolled up, folded, or disassembled into compact forms for transport, while maintaining adequate structural stability when deployed and properly anchored, thus significantly improving portability without sacrificing functional stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If batting cage structures are adapted for pitching practice, then pitching practice functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel structure incorporates multiple functional elements including a target area with strike zone indicia, a containment region for caught balls, and an open pitching end, all within a single integrated netting structure, enabling comprehensive pitching practice functionality without requiring separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the target area, ball containment region, and tunnel structure into a single integrated netting assembly, merging multiple functions into one device rather than requiring separate components, thereby improving versatility while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric tunnel for baseball pitching practice with a simple “auto-catcher” is made of netting in one embodiment. At the target end a flap with indicia of accuracy of aim also constitutes a flap that provides an audible feedback when hit and also allows the thrown balls to be captured. Straps are used to hold the tunnel in position by attachment to poles supported by guy wires or the straps could be attached to fixed objects such as a chain-link fence.