Spacing Connector Safety Net for Baseball Screen Bounce Back
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective screens for baseball and softball do not adequately prevent ball ricochets, which can cause injuries to the person throwing batting practice or to the batter, and can also damage chain-link fences when balls are hit into them.
Innovation Solution
A protective screen safety apparatus is provided, which includes spacing connectors to couple a safety net in front of the protective screen frame, positioned to absorb the impact of high-speed balls and prevent ricochets, and can be retrofitted to existing screens or attached to chain-link fences to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional protective screen with rigid metal frame and primary net is used, then the screen provides basic protection, but it does not adequately prevent ball ricochets causing injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The protective screen is divided into multiple functional layers: the original primary net and frame structure, plus an additional safety net positioned in front of the frame. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the primary net catches most balls while the safety net prevents ricochets from the frame, collectively providing comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety net acts as an intermediary element between the incoming ball and the rigid protective screen frame. By positioning the safety net in front of the frame, it intercepts balls before they can strike the hard frame surface, preventing dangerous ricochets while allowing the frame to remain structurally intact.
2Strength
If the protective screen frame is made more rigid to withstand ball impact, then the frame durability improves, but the ball bounce back velocity increases causing more dangerous ricochets
Solution Approach 1:
The safety net serves as a mediator that softens the interaction between the ball and the rigid frame. When balls strike the frame, the safety net absorbs and dissipates impact energy, reducing bounce back velocity while allowing the frame to maintain its necessary rigidity and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of ball-frame interaction by introducing the safety net. The net modifies the impact characteristics, transforming high-velocity rigid collisions into lower-velocity, more controlled interactions that reduce dangerous ricochet speeds while preserving frame strength.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a safety net is added in front of the protective screen frame, then ball ricochet prevention improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into distinct functional components - the original screen assembly and the added safety net assembly. This modular segmentation makes the system easier to understand, install, and maintain, as each component can be independently addressed without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety net performs multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents ball ricochets from the frame, extends the life of the protective screen by absorbing impact, and can be applied to various screen configurations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.
4Area of stationary object
If the safety net is positioned close to the protective screen frame, then space utilization improves, but the net may interfere with the primary net functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The safety net is positioned strategically at specific locations where ricochet prevention is most critical - primarily in front of the rigid frame members. This localized positioning allows the net to perform its ricochet-prevention function without unnecessarily interfering with the primary net's ball-catching functionality in other areas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The safety net effectively reduces the risk of injury from ball ricochets and extends the life of protective screens by absorbing impact, while also protecting chain-link fences from damage by deflecting balls.
Implementation Method 1
a safety net supported and suspended in front of the protective screen frame by the one or more spacing connectors... configured to prevent bounce back of balls from the protective screen frame
Implementation Method 2
one or more spacing connectors comprising a spring member
Data Source
AI summary
A protective screen system having a protective screen made up of a protective screen frame and a primary net, and including a protective screen safety apparatus coupled to the protective screen. The protective screen safety apparatus includes one or more spacing connectors adapted to couple a structure such as a protective screen frame, and support and suspend a safety net in front of and spaced from the protective screen frame to minimize bounce back of a ball from the protective screen frame. Methods of protecting a batter with the protective screen safety apparatus are provided. Retrofitting and adjustable protective screen safety apparatus are described, including embodiments adapted to minimize damage to chain-link fences, as are other aspects.