Pitching Distance Cord Layout for Portable Plate and Base Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ensuring proper spacing between elements of a baseball field, such as the pitching mound and home plate, can be tedious and inconsistent across different levels of play, especially in environments without dedicated baseball field features.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a portable base and plate with a spool and cord that allows for easy adjustment to specific pitching distances, indicated by visual markers on the cord, facilitating setup in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If portable bases and plates are used in environments without dedicated baseball field features, then the system becomes adaptable to various locations, but the process of ensuring proper spacing becomes tedious and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking the cord at specific distances corresponding to different baseball league pitching distances (Little League, High School, College, Major League). This allows users to simply pull the cord to the appropriate mark and attach it to the base, eliminating the need for complex measurement and setup procedures during field configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the cord as an intermediary element that connects the portable base to the portable plate at the correct distance. The cord acts as a physical mediator that enforces proper spacing, replacing the need for manual measurement and calculation that would otherwise be required when setting up portable equipment in non-traditional fields.
2Device complexity
If manual measurement and marking methods are used to set pitching distances, then no additional equipment is needed, but the process becomes tedious and prone to inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the abstract concept of pitching distance into a physical, tangible parameter - the length of the cord marked at specific intervals. Instead of relying on manual measurement and calculation, the system uses pre-determined cord lengths that correspond to official pitching distances for different leagues, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the cord as a physical copy or representation of the required pitching distance. Rather than repeatedly performing measurement and calculation operations, the correct distance is copied onto the cord during manufacturing, allowing users to simply attach the pre-marked cord to achieve accurate spacing without needing to recalculate or remeasure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different pitching distances are required for different baseball levels, then the system must accommodate multiple distance configurations, but setup becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single cord into multiple marked sections, each representing a different pitching distance for various baseball leagues. Instead of using separate cords or complex adjustment mechanisms, the cord is segmented with visual markers at the appropriate distances, allowing quick selection and attachment of the correct segment for the specific league being played.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a rectangular shaped body, an irregular pentagon shaped body, and a spool. The spool includes a cord having a first end coupled to the spool, a second end configured to unwind at least partially from the spool, and an indicium marked at a position along a length of the cord associated with a pitching distance disposed between the rectangular shaped body and the irregular pentagon shaped body.