Ball Tossing Apparatus with 2D Launch Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baseball training devices often require frequent reloading, disrupt the batter's stride and stance, and fail to provide controlled ball launches outside the conventional strike zone, limiting the player's ability to practice hitting pitches in various locations.
Innovation Solution
A ball tossing apparatus with a two-dimensional array of launch devices, each equipped with a biasing member and solenoid release mechanism, allows for sequential and controlled vertical launches of balls into various locations, including inside and outside the strike zone, using an electronic control system to manage the launch sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single launch device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to frequent reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ball launching function into multiple independent launch devices arranged in a two-dimensional array, with each device capable of launching balls to different locations. This segmentation allows simultaneous or sequential operation of multiple launchers, significantly increasing batting practice efficiency without requiring the entire system to be reloaded at once.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple launch devices are pre-loaded with balls before the batting practice session begins. The electronic control system manages the sequential operation of these pre-loaded devices, allowing continuous ball supply to the batter without interruption for reloading during the practice session.
2Reliability
If manual release mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of skill development decreases due to disruption of batter's stride and stance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect when the batter is ready and automatically triggers the next ball launch without requiring manual intervention. The electronic control system manages the entire sequence autonomously, ensuring consistent timing and ball release that does not disrupt the batter's natural stride and stance development.
3Area of stationary object
If linear arrangement of launchers is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the area of coverage is insufficient for complete strike zone coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The launch devices are arranged in a two-dimensional array rather than a linear configuration, allowing coverage of both the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the strike zone. This dimensional expansion enables complete coverage of inside and outside pitches, early and late pitches, while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular device placement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional strike zone focus is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for practicing varied pitch locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional array of launch devices is designed to serve multiple functions: covering the conventional strike zone, practicing early and late pitches, inside and outside pitches, and various vertical heights. The electronic control system provides universal control over all launch devices, allowing selection of any combination of locations to meet diverse training needs within a single unified system.
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 apparatus provides efficient and controlled ball launches, reducing the need for frequent reloading and allowing batters to practice hitting pitches in various locations, thereby improving batting skills and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
Each launch device includes a biasing member for projecting a ball from the launch device
Implementation Method 2
the release device is a solenoid
Data Source
AI summary
A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence. The launch sequences can be randomly generated, programmed by the sports player, or retrieved from memory. The launch of the balls can also be controlled remotely.