Pitcher's Circle Compass with Orientation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for marking a pitcher's circle in softball or baseball do not provide accurate feedback on the operator's attitude, leading to inconsistent circle sizes and visibility issues, particularly in girl's fast pitch softball.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a spike to define the center, a non-stretchable cord for radius definition, and a scribe attached to an elongated handle with an indicator portion and marking tip, allowing users to maintain vertical orientation and ensure accurate circle marking by comparing the relative positions of the marking tip and indicator tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple chain or cord is used to control the scribe distance from the center, then the device is easy to operate, but the scribed line size varies due to operator attitude and there is no feedback mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by providing visual indicators (flags or colored bands) that show the operator whether the handle is in the correct vertical orientation. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to adjust their attitude to maintain proper handle orientation, ensuring consistent circle marking while keeping the device simple to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an equipotential condition by designing the handle with specific weight distribution and balance characteristics. The handle is balanced so that when held vertically, it remains stable and neutral, making it easy for operators to maintain the correct orientation without excessive physical effort, thus achieving both ease of operation and marking consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scribe is held at various attitudes during marking, then the operator can adapt to different positions, but the scribed circle size becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators attached to the handle provide immediate feedback to the operator about handle orientation. The indicators (such as flags or colored bands) show when the handle is vertical versus tilted, allowing operators to adapt their body position while maintaining correct handle orientation, thus preserving both adaptability and marking consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary anti-action by designing the handle with built-in orientation guidance features that prevent incorrect attitudes before they affect the marking. The visual indicators and balance design proactively guide the operator to maintain proper orientation, counteracting the tendency to adopt incorrect positions before inconsistency occurs.
3Device complexity
If no indicator mechanism is provided, then the device structure is simple, but there is no feedback to the operator or umpire about proper handle orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through visual indicators (flags, colored bands, or marked surfaces) on the handle that provide immediate information about handle orientation. These indicators show whether the handle is vertical or tilted, giving both the operator and umpire information about proper orientation without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color changes as a visual feedback mechanism by using differently colored bands or markings on the handle that indicate correct versus incorrect orientation. This provides clear, immediate information about handle attitude using simple visual cues that do not complicate the device structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If the marking tip is narrow for precision, then the circle line is accurate, but the visibility of the marked circle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the marking function into two distinct elements: a narrow marking tip for accurate circle line creation and a wider indicator portion for enhanced visibility. This segmentation allows each element to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by giving different parts of the scribe assembly different properties: the marking tip is narrow and precise for accurate marking, while the indicator portion is wider and more visible for observation. Each local region of the device has optimized quality appropriate to its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an apparatus and method for marking a pitcher's circle for a sport such as girl's fast pitch softball. A spike locates the center of the circle and a cord attached to the spike defines the radius of the circle. A scribe attached to a handle and to the cord is configured to mark the dirt. The scribe defines a marking tip and an indicator portion. The marking tip leaves a track in the dirt that is within a track left by the indicator portion when the handle is in the proper vertical position.