Removable Ball Catch System for Youth Baseball Glove Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Newer baseball and softball gloves require breaking in to be easily squeezed around caught balls, and younger players may struggle to retain balls due to limited hand strength, leading to difficulties in temporary ball retention during play.
Innovation Solution
A ball catch system integrated into the glove, which can be positioned between the hand opening and the webbing or heel, is designed to project from the front face to prevent the ball from rolling out and can be repositioned or removed as the glove is broken in and the player's strength increases, using flexible or elastic materials to facilitate easy squeezing and ball retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball catch system is added to assist younger players and newer gloves, then ball retention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball catch system is implemented as a separate, removable component rather than being integrated into the glove structure. This allows the catch system to be added or removed independently, maintaining glove simplicity while providing enhanced ball retention when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball catch system acts as an intermediary element between the ball and the glove pocket, providing an additional retention mechanism that assists players with limited hand strength without requiring fundamental changes to the glove design.
2Reliability
If a ball catch system is added to prevent ball from rolling out, then ball retention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ball catch system incorporates movable components that can dynamically adjust during the squeezing and retrieval process. The system remains flexible and adaptable, allowing easy operation while providing retention assistance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball catch system's physical parameters (such as flexibility, position, or engagement level) can be changed to optimize both retention and ease of operation. The system adapts its characteristics based on the operational phase, providing retention during catching and yielding during retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
An example ball glove ball catch system includes a ball glove and a ball catch. The ball glove may comprise webbing and a hand opening. The ball catch may be located between the hand opening and the webbing.