Automatic Baseball Finishing System with UV Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In baseball, the manual application of mud to baseballs by equipment managers results in inconsistent gripping properties and visibility issues, as each ball is finished differently, leading to variability in performance and quality control.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a carousel arm with multiple stations for automatic treatment, including UV disinfection, spraying, buffing, and inspection, which applies a consistent finish to baseballs using a mud-water mixture, ensuring each ball meets predetermined color and quality standards before certification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual application of mud to baseballs is used, then flexibility in finishing process is maintained, but consistency and quality control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical application of mud with an automated spray system that delivers precise, consistent coatings. The spray nozzle system with controlled fluid delivery replaces the variable human hand-rubbing process, ensuring uniform application while maintaining the ability to adjust finishing parameters through the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated inspection cameras and control systems that monitor and adjust the finishing process in real-time. The ball is rotated and positioned automatically, and the system self-regulates the spray application based on detected ball characteristics, eliminating human variability while maintaining process adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated spray system is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel arm serves multiple functions: it holds multiple balls simultaneously, rotates to present different faces of balls to the spray nozzle, positions balls for inspection, and controls the timing of spray application. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, managing system complexity while achieving precise finishing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the spray application, ball rotation, positioning, and inspection functions into an integrated automated system. The control system merges these operations into a coordinated sequence, where the spray nozzle, carousel rotation, and camera inspection work together as a unified process rather than separate independent systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple inspection stations are added, then quality control is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection process occurs continuously during ball rotation and movement through the system. Cameras capture images at multiple positions as balls rotate on the carousel, allowing inspection to happen during the natural movement of the process rather than requiring separate stationary inspection steps that would halt production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary inspection during the finishing process itself, capturing images of the ball surface as it is being sprayed and rotated. This allows quality assessment to begin before the finishing is complete, enabling real-time adjustments and eliminating the need for separate post-finishing inspection steps.
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 system provides a consistent finish to baseballs, automatically ensuring quality and separating defective balls, reducing human error and enhancing long-term quality control, while allowing for flexible mixing of the finishing substance and tracking of the ball finishing process.
Implementation Method 1
the first station includes a UV-C illuminator that emits UV light in the range of 100-280 nm wavelengths and is configured to disinfect the ball
Implementation Method 2
the light source includes a UV-A illuminator that emits UV light in the range of 315-400 nm wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
A second station includes a buffer, which buffs the surface of the ball and rotates the ball in place relative to the arm
Implementation Method 4
a spray nozzle configured to apply treatment to the ball
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure involves systems for applying finishing treatment to balls. The system includes an arm that transports at least one ball through a plurality of stations. A first station includes a first actuator, which permits introduction of a ball into the arm. A second station includes a buffer, which buffs the surface of the ball and rotates the ball in place relative to the arm, a spray nozzle configured to apply treatment to the ball, and a camera configured to capture images of the ball. A third station includes an inspection camera that captures inspection images of the ball and a rotating plate configured to rotate the ball in place relative to the arm. A fourth station includes a second actuator, which ejects the ball from the arm.