One-Tie-Point Pitching Tunnel for Portable Baseball Practice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pitching tunnel systems for baseball practice are limited in portability and require multiple tie points for setup, making them inconvenient for flexible use and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A one-tie-point pitching tunnel system utilizing a body of netting supported by a single elevated tie point, with ropes and tie loops facilitating easy erection and securing to various support structures, allowing for a compact and versatile pitching practice setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple tie points are used for pitching tunnel setup, then the tunnel structure is more stable, but the setup complexity and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the requirement for multiple tie points and replaces it with a single tie point system. The pitching tunnel is designed to be secured at only one elevated tie point, eliminating the need for multiple attachment locations while maintaining structural integrity through the specific configuration of the netting and support poles.
Solution Approach 2:
The single elevated tie point serves multiple functions: it anchors the entire tunnel structure, provides structural support, and enables easy setup and teardown. This universal attachment point replaces the need for multiple specialized tie points, simplifying the overall system while maintaining stability.
2Reliability
If multiple tie points are required, then the tunnel can be securely anchored, but transportation convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pitching tunnel is divided into modular components (netting sections, support poles, single tie point assembly) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the tunnel to be quickly set up at a single location and just as quickly taken down for transport, maintaining both anchoring reliability and transportation convenience.
3Ease of operation
If a compact setup is used, then portability is improved, but the practice environment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pitching tunnel employs dynamic elements including flexible netting material and adjustable support poles that can be configured in various arrangements. The single tie point system allows the tunnel to be adapted to different ground conditions and practice environments while maintaining a compact storage profile for easy portability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sports practice apparatus includes one or more target areas, one or more tunneling sections, and mounting apparatus. A first tunneling section is operably associated with a first target area. The first tunneling section has a receiving end and a target end and narrows from the receiving end towards the target end. The narrowing of the first tunneling section follows a trajectory that conforms to desired trajectory of a sports ball set into motion during practice. The first tunneling section is constructed of a material that prevents the sports ball from existing the first tunneling section other than at the target end.