Ball Throwing Machine with Ball-and-Socket Joint for Trajectory Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball throwing machines are limited in their ability to produce pitch-to-pitch variation in ball placement and trajectory, requiring significant adjustments and disrupting the training experience for athletes in baseball and softball.
Innovation Solution
A ball throwing machine with a ball and socket joint and a handgrip for easy manipulation, allowing rapid changes in ball trajectory, position, and speed, along with a single wheel that can impart spin and velocity, enabling the operator to freely adjust the machine's orientation to achieve desired pitch variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing ball throwing machines are used to provide pitched ball training, then athletes can be exposed to pitched balls, but the machine requires multiple adjustment steps and time to change trajectory and location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment system where the housing can rotate relative to the base through a ball and socket joint, allowing the operator to change ball trajectory and location by simply rotating the housing to different angles. This eliminates the need for multiple adjustment steps and enables rapid repositioning of the pitched ball without requiring the batter to step away.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing ball throwing machines are used, then pitched ball speeds and trajectories can be reproduced, but the machine cannot produce pitch to pitch variation in ball placement and trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to rotate freely relative to the base through a ball and socket joint, enabling dynamic changes in ball placement and trajectory. The operator can rotate the housing to different angles to create pitch-to-pitch variation, providing adaptability without adding complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wheel serves multiple functions by being positioned to contact balls from both the first and second ball corridors. The wheel can impart spin and velocity to balls regardless of which corridor they enter, providing universal ball projection capability through a single component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a coach or pitcher throws balls for training, then athletes can interact directly with pitched balls, but the variety of ball movement, speeds and repetitions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The machine automatically projects balls with consistent speeds and trajectories by rotating the housing to different angles, eliminating the need for a coach or pitcher to manually throw each ball. This self-service capability provides unlimited repetitions with varied pitch types while maintaining consistent ball speeds and movements.
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 superior pitch-to-pitch variation and rapid setup, allowing athletes to gain the necessary repetitions for skill improvement without the need for extensive adjustments, enhancing the training experience by providing versatile and flexible ball placement and trajectory options.
Implementation Method 1
the outer surface of the single wheel is located on the floor of the first ball corridor, and wherein the outer surface of the single wheel is located on the ceiling of the second ball corridor
Data Source
AI summary
A ball throwing machine system comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a bottom of the housing; an adjustable stand with a base, the base in operational communication with the bottom of the housing via a mechanical joint means, and wherein the housing can lockably move with respect to the base, a first ball inlet located in the housing; a first ball corridor located in the housing and in communication with the first ball inlet; a first ball outlet located in the housing and in communication with the first ball corridor and the first ball inlet; a second ball inlet located in the housing; a second ball corridor located in the housing and in communication with the second ball inlet; a second ball outlet located in the housing and in communication with the second ball corridor and the second ball inlet; a single wheel configured to rotate at user adjustable speeds, and further configured to impart spin and velocity to a ball, wherein the outer surface of the single wheel is located on the floor of the first ball corridor, and wherein the outer surface of the single wheel is located on the ceiling of the second ball corridor. A ball throwing machine comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a bottom of the housing; a first ball inlet located in the housing; a first ball corridor located in the housing and in communication with the first ball inlet; a first ball outlet located in the housing and in communication with the first ball corridor and the first ball inlet; a second ball inlet located in the housing; a second ball corridor located in the housing and in communication with the second ball inlet; a second ball outlet located in the housing and in communication with the second ball corridor and the second ball inlet; a single wheel configured to rotate at user adjustable speeds, and further configured to impart spin and velocity to a ball, wherein the outer surface of the single wheel is located on the floor of the first ball corridor, and wherein the outer surface of the single wheel is located on the ceiling of the second ball corridor and wherein the bottom of the housing is configured to moveably and lockably attach to an adjustable stand, and wherein the housing can lockably move with respect to the adjustable stand.