Offset Post Adapter for Single-Anchor Baseball and Softball Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baseball and softball bases of varying sizes face challenges in aligning with a single anchor due to differences in post positioning, leading to improper alignment with the baseline, and prior solutions either require multiple anchors or misaligned covers.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a first and second member, each having a base plate and sleeve, allows for adjustable alignment with a single anchor by offsetting the second sleeve to accommodate different base sizes, ensuring proper alignment with the baseline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single anchor is used for both baseball and softball bases, then the number of anchors is reduced, but the alignment with the baseline becomes incorrect for different base sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the single anchor and bases of different sizes. It includes a first member with a first base plate and first sleeve, and a second member with a second base plate and second sleeve. The adapter enables a single anchor to properly align bases of different sizes with the baseline by providing adjustable positioning through the offset configuration of the first and second members.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into separate first and second members that can be independently positioned. The first member includes a first base plate and first sleeve, while the second member includes a second base plate and second sleeve. This segmentation allows each member to be optimally positioned for different base sizes while maintaining proper baseline alignment through the offset configuration.
2Manufacturing precision
If the post position is adjusted for different base sizes, then the alignment with the baseline improves, but the anchor positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter provides a universal solution that works with bases of different sizes (both baseball and softball bases) using a single anchor. The offset configuration of the first and second members allows the same adapter to accommodate various base dimensions while maintaining proper baseline alignment, eliminating the need for multiple anchors or complex repositioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple anchors are used to accommodate different base sizes, then the alignment with the baseline is maintained, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter merges the function of multiple anchors into a single anchor system. By combining the first member with a first base plate and first sleeve, and the second member with a second base plate and second sleeve into a single offset configuration, the adapter enables one anchor to perform the alignment function that would otherwise require multiple anchors, simplifying installation while maintaining baseline alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A post adapter is proved to enable baseball or softball bases of varying sizes to be configured to engage and be aligned with a ground anchor. The adapter is engaged with the post and includes a first member including a first base plate and a first sleeve extending outwardly from the first base plate and a second member engaged with the first member, the second member including a second base plate and a second sleeve extending outwardly from the second base plate, wherein the first member is disposed in an offset position relative to the second member. The effective position of the post can be altered or reconfigured by engaging one of the first sleeve or the second sleeve with the post and engaging the second sleeve with the ground anchor.