Retractable Cord Infield Layout Device for Simultaneous Base Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The insufficient number of permanent baseball fields leads to unmet demand, resulting in inadequate practice time and inaccurate makeshift infields due to reliance on human judgment and time-consuming string measurements, which negatively impacts player development and playing habits.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with integrated base marking pieces and retractable cords that measure and align bases quickly and accurately, allowing for simultaneous measurement of distances and secure attachment to the ground, facilitating the setup of a precise infield in several steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If string or tape is used to measure distances to bases one at a time, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the measurement task into four separate retractable cords, each dedicated to measuring the distance to one base. This segmentation allows all four bases to be measured simultaneously rather than sequentially, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining accurate measurement capability for each base position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated device. Four retractable cords with measuring capabilities are merged into one portable unit that can measure all base distances simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate measurement operations and reducing total setup time.
2Measurement precision
If string is used for measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but string becomes entangled with itself, objects, and players
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement cords are designed to be retractable rather than static. They can extend when needed for measurement and automatically retract to a compact form when not in use, preventing entanglement with players and equipment while maintaining full measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful entanglement problem is extracted from the system by removing the string/tape component entirely and replacing it with retractable cords that store themselves in a controlled manner, eliminating the entanglement issue while preserving measurement functionality.
3Measurement precision
If manual reeling of string is required, then measurement function is achieved, but operational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable cords are designed to automatically retract and store themselves without requiring manual reeling by the user. The cords self-manage their storage, eliminating the burdensome manual operation while maintaining accurate measurement capability.
4Measurement precision
If prior art devices are used for infield setup, then some measurement capability is provided, but substantial concentration and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the measurement task into four independent retractable cords, allowing parallel measurement of all base distances simultaneously. This eliminates the sequential measurement process of prior art devices, reducing setup time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
All four measurement cords can operate simultaneously and continuously throughout the setup process, providing uninterrupted measurement capability for all bases at once, whereas prior art devices required sequential operation with pauses between measurements.
5Measurement precision
If prior art devices are used, then measurement function is provided, but additional equipment such as measuring ball base is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a universal all-in-one solution that integrates base positioning markers and distance measurement cords into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate measuring ball bases or additional equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full measurement and positioning capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for accurately laying out the bases of an infield, said device comprising marking pieces that attach to one another to form a single integrated unit. Base marking pieces forming the integrated unit may mark the positions of the bases of an infield. The marking pieces may be connected, which connecting means may assist in measuring distances between marking pieces, which measured distances may determine proper positions of the base marking pieces. After bases are laid out and an infield set up, the marking pieces may re-attach to again form the integrated unit.In one embodiment, accuracy may be increased by utilizing a center reference point marked by a center marking piece. The center marking piece may be connected to some base marking pieces, and in one embodiment the base marking pieces may attach to the center marking piece and together form the integrated unit.