External Ball Launcher Turning Mechanism for Automated Aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic ball launchers, particularly tennis ball launchers, are either expensive or require unwieldy manual operations, and there is a need for a cost-effective and portable solution that allows for automated maneuvering without adding significant weight or cost.
Innovation Solution
A separate turning device that can be connected to or disconnected from a ball launcher, featuring a base, a rotatable platform, and a turning mechanism powered by a controlled force generator, allowing for angular displacement of the platform and ball launcher to vary ball direction without increasing weight or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a built-in automated maneuvering mechanism is integrated into the ball launcher, then automated maneuvering capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a ball launcher and a turning device. The turning device is a standalone unit with its own base, platform, and turning mechanism that can be attached to the ball launcher. This segmentation allows the automated maneuvering function to be added without complicating the ball launcher's internal structure, resolving the contradiction between automation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A turning device acts as an intermediary component between the operator and the ball launcher. This intermediate device provides the automated maneuvering capability through its own turning mechanism, while the ball launcher itself remains structurally simple. The intermediary approach allows automation without increasing the complexity of the main launcher system
2Extent of automation
If a built-in automated maneuvering mechanism is integrated into the ball launcher, then automated maneuvering capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the turning function into an independent device, the system allows for simpler manufacturing of each component. The ball launcher can be produced using basic manufacturing processes, while the turning device can be manufactured separately with its own simpler mechanism. This segmentation reduces overall production costs compared to integrating a complex automated maneuvering system into the launcher itself
Solution Approach 2:
The turning device serves as a cost-effective, replaceable accessory that can be attached to basic ball launchers. Rather than requiring expensive built-in mechanisms, this approach uses a simpler, potentially more economical external device that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, reducing the overall cost of the system
3Device complexity
If manual aiming operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to unwieldy manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The turning device incorporates an automated turning mechanism that performs the aiming function without requiring manual intervention. The mechanism can automatically adjust the direction of the ball launcher, eliminating the need for unwieldy manual operations while keeping the device structure relatively simple. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction between simplicity and ease of operation
4Extent of automation
If a separate turning device is added to the ball launcher, then automated maneuvering capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turning mechanism in the separate device likely uses efficient mechanical designs or lightweight materials to achieve automated maneuvering with minimal weight addition. By using a dedicated turning mechanism rather than integrating a heavy built-in system, the overall weight increase is minimized while still providing the desired automation capability
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
Enables cost-effective and portable ball launcher operation with automated maneuvering, allowing for varied ball direction and improved training scenarios, enhancing player skills without the risk of malfunctioning built-in mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a controlled force generator disposed between the upper surface of the platform and the lower surface of the base without extending outside of the interior space of the turning device, wherein a power source for powering the force generator is connectable thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A ball launcher turning device external to the ball launcher comprises a base, a platform movably connected to said base and externally securable to the ball launcher, and a turning mechanism housed within the turning device that is configured to cause the platform and the ball launcher to undergo angular displacement relative to the base, in response to a force transmitted to the turning mechanism by a controlled force generator, to facilitate propulsion of balls ejected from the ball launcher in varying directions.