Baseball Pitching Machine With Spindle Spin and Pneumatic Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baseball pitching machines lack the ability to precisely replicate specific pitches with controlled trajectory, spin, movement, and velocity on a pitch-by-pitch basis, and fail to provide the true feedback of hitting a real baseball in training sessions.
Innovation Solution
A baseball pitching machine configured with a spindle-based spinner and pneumatic launcher, controlled by a system that uses pitch data to adjust the position, angle, and spin of the ball, allowing for precise orientation and launch of the ball, enabling changes in pitch type, location, and velocity on a pitch-by-pitch basis, using a controller and database of pitch data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a spring actuated arm mechanism is used to propel the ball, then the machine is cost effective and simple to use, but the machine can only throw straight pitches to one location and variations in pitch are accidental and random
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring actuated arm mechanism with a pneumatic system that uses compressed air to propel the baseball. This substitution allows for more precise control over pitch parameters while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The pneumatic system enables accurate control of release point, velocity, and pitch type through electronic control of air pressure and timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure to propel the baseball with precise control. By using compressed air delivered through a pneumatic launcher, the system can accurately control pitch velocity, release point, and timing. The pneumatic system responds to electronic control signals to deliver consistent and repeatable pitch parameters, eliminating the randomness inherent in spring-based mechanisms.
2Productivity
If rotating wheels are used to propel the ball, then the machine can provide continuous pitching, but the machine does not control ball orientation and requires perfect synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotating wheel mechanism with a pneumatic launcher system. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical synchronization and provides direct control over ball orientation and release parameters. The pneumatic system can independently control each pitch's characteristics without requiring precise mechanical coordination between multiple moving parts.
3Speed
If multiple rotating wheels are used to propel the ball, then the machine can control pitch velocity, but additional wheels introduce additional error and difficulty in controlling spinning synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the velocity control function from the complex multi-wheel mechanical system and implements it through a single pneumatic launcher controlled by electronic signals. This extraction eliminates the synchronization errors inherent in multi-wheel systems while maintaining precise velocity control through electronic regulation of air pressure and release timing.
4Speed
If pneumatic pressure is used to propel the ball, then the machine can achieve high velocity, but the machine does not control or orient the ball before propulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using spindles to grip and orient the baseball before pneumatic propulsion. The spindles rotate the ball to the desired orientation and hold it in position before the pneumatic launcher fires. This preliminary orientation control ensures that the ball is properly positioned and oriented before high-velocity propulsion, enabling precise control over pitch type and trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the orientation control function (spindles) with the propulsion function (pneumatic launcher) into a single integrated system. The spindles and pneumatic launcher work together in sequence within the same device, allowing the machine to both orient and propel the ball with precision. This combination eliminates the need for separate orientation and propulsion mechanisms.
5Adaptability or versatility
If pitch data is used to replicate specific pitches, then the machine can provide realistic training feedback, but the machine requires complex control systems and databases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pitch data from real pitchers to replicate specific pitch characteristics. The system stores pitch data in a database and uses this data to control the spindles and pneumatic launcher to reproduce the same release point, velocity, spin rate, and trajectory as the original pitch. This copying approach provides realistic training feedback while using straightforward control logic that references pre-captured pitch data.
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 machine can accurately replicate specific pitches with precise control over release point, speed, movement, and location, providing a realistic training experience by using pitch data to adjust the ball's spin and launch parameters in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
machines that rely on pneumatic pressure to propel the ball
Implementation Method 2
using air (i.e., pneumatic) to launch or pitch the ball
Implementation Method 3
spin the baseball using at least one spindle
Implementation Method 4
orient and spins a baseball with precision before pitching the baseball
Data Source
AI summary
A baseball pitching machine that is configured to precisely index and spin a baseball before pitching the baseball. The machine comprises a baseball spinner and launcher that is configured to spin the baseball using at least one spindle, and then launch or pitch the ball using air (i.e., pneumatic). Preferably, the position of the ball spinner and launcher can be adjusted in terms of position in both the x and y directions (i.e., both side to side, and up and down), as well as its angle. The baseball pitching machine is configured to be controllable such that pitches (in terms of type, location and velocity) can be changed on a pitch-by-pitch basis.