Wearable Orthotic Device for Athletic Swing Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports swing training devices are cumbersome, require multiple people for calibration, or introduce tension that leads to poor swing habits in baseball and softball hitters, particularly young athletes, as they often fail to maintain the optimal 90° bend in the back arm and prevent the front arm from locking out during the swing.
Innovation Solution
A wearable orthotic device with adjustable straps and a pivot joint that maintains the back arm at a 90° bend while allowing free movement between 90° and 180°, preventing the front arm from locking out by using a connecting strap, thus promoting a loose, flexible posture during the swing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tensioning strap is used to force the back arm into position, then the arm position is maintained, but the athlete develops poor swing habits due to upper body tension
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the harmful tensioning mechanism from the training device. Instead of using a strap that applies continuous force to the arm, the device uses a passive geometric constraint (the L-shaped configuration of the first and second portions) that only limits motion when the arm deviates from the correct 90-degree position, allowing natural swing motion without inducing upper body tension.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than actively forcing the arm into position through tension (push/pull mechanism), the invention inverts the approach by creating a passive geometric constraint that naturally guides the arm into the correct position through its L-shaped structure. The constraint works by limiting incorrect positions rather than actively pulling the arm into place, thereby avoiding the harmful tension effect.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex calibration system is used to position the device, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the device requires multiple people and becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-aligning and self-adjusting through the athlete's own movements. The L-shaped configuration automatically positions itself correctly as the athlete swings, with the first portion on the upper arm and second portion on the forearm naturally forming the 90-degree angle. No external calibration or multiple operators are needed - the device serves itself through the athlete's motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static, pre-calibrated structure to a dynamic system that adapts to the athlete's movements. The connection between the first and second portions allows relative motion that accommodates the natural range of motion during swinging, while maintaining the geometric constraint. This dynamic design eliminates the need for complex static calibration procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid constraint is used to maintain arm position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but natural arm movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the first and second portions is designed to be dynamic rather than rigidly fixed. It maintains the L-shaped geometric relationship for positioning accuracy while allowing the necessary relative motion between portions during the swing. This dynamic connection preserves natural arm movement freedom while ensuring correct arm positioning through the geometric constraint.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthotic device having first and second support members, pivotally connected to each other, so as to prevent the angle between the first and second support members from forming an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to each other. The device is also configured to allow the first and second support members to freely pivot to any angle between 90 degrees and 270 degrees relative to each other. The orthotic device is adapted to be worn by an athlete in order to facilitate proper arm angle and swing path when swinging a baseball bat, softball bat, or any other similar athletic equipment.