Ball Throwing Machine Speed Control Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball throwing machines require physical adjustments and longer pauses between pitches to change from fastball to changeup settings, which can alert the batter and negate the surprise element in batting practice.
Innovation Solution
A speed control module with a motor and rotary wheels that transitions between fastball and changeup rotational speeds using resistive braking, allowing for seamless pitch changes without altering the machine's position or increasing delay times, utilizing a changeup algorithm to ensure the ball reaches the target zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical adjustment is made to change pitch type, then the machine can throw different pitches (fastball, changeup, curveball), but the adjustment requires longer pause between pitches and changes machine position, alerting the batter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rotary wheel speed variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the rotary wheel to throw different pitch types (fastball, changeup, curveball) without any physical adjustment to the machine. This resolves the contradiction by enabling pitch type changes (improving adaptability) while maintaining constant machine position and minimal pause time (reducing time loss).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (rotational speed) of the rotary wheel to achieve different pitch types. By varying the speed parameter within a range while keeping the machine structure fixed, the system can throw fastballs, changeups, and curveballs without physical adjustments. This resolves the contradiction by improving pitch type versatility while avoiding the time loss and position changes associated with mechanical adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical adjustment is made to change pitch type, then the machine can throw different pitches, but the adjustment changes the position of components, indicating to the batter that a different pitch is coming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic speed control of the rotary wheel to change pitch types without any visible mechanical adjustment. The controller modifies the rotational speed parameter to produce different pitches while the machine remains in the same position with components in their original locations. This preserves the surprise element for the batter while maintaining full pitch type versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment system with an electronic control system. Instead of physically moving components to change pitch types, the system uses electronic control to vary the rotational speed of the rotary wheel. This substitution eliminates visible position changes that would alert the batter, while still achieving full pitch type versatility.
3Speed
If resistive braking is used to transition between speeds, then the transition between fastball and changeup is quick and unnoticeable, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the motor and the rotary wheel. The controller receives pitch type signals and translates them into appropriate rotational speed commands, including using resistive braking for quick transitions. This intermediary manages the complexity by centralizing the control logic, enabling fast transitions while keeping the overall system design organized and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses the motor's own electrical characteristics to achieve resistive braking during speed transitions. By controlling the motor's power input, the system can rapidly decelerate from fastball speeds to changeup speeds without requiring separate mechanical braking mechanisms. This self-service approach to braking reduces overall system complexity while enabling quick, unnoticeable pitch transitions.
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 quick and unnoticeable transitions between fastball and changeup pitches, maintaining the surprise element in batting practice while ensuring accurate ball placement within the strike zone without the need for physical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A speed control module with a motor and rotary wheels that transitions between fastball and changeup rotational speeds using resistive braking
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a ball throwing machine including a motor coupled to a rotary wheel and configured to rotate the rotary wheel at a rotational speed to throw a ball forward toward an athlete. A speed control module may be coupled to the motor and configured to rotate the rotary wheel, via the motor, at a first rotational speed during a fastball setting and a second rotational speed during a changeup setting. The speed control module may determine the second rotational speed based on the first rotational speed so that a ball thrown by the ball throwing machine will arrive in a target zone when the ball throwing machine is in the fastball setting and the changeup setting. In some embodiments, the speed control module may utilize resistive braking to transition the rotary wheel from the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed.