Biodegradable Ball Launcher with Adjustable Pitching Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pitching machines lack the ability to simulate the variability in pitch velocity, angle, and range found in real games, are often too large and power-intensive for portable use, and do not effectively prepare hitters for real-game conditions, and they do not handle biodegradable balls well.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight, automated biodegradable projectile launcher with a rotating arm and spinning wheels, powered by small motors, that can launch biodegradable balls of varying sizes and weights, allowing for adjustable pitch location and orientation, and includes a ball shaker to ensure smooth handling and environmental friendliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional pitching machines are used to provide consistent tosses, then training consistency is improved, but the ability to simulate real-game variability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pitching machine adjustable across multiple parameters including power level, speed, incidence angle, and pitch type. This allows the device to transition from static, consistent tosses to dynamic, variable pitches that simulate real-game conditions while maintaining operational control
2Adaptability or versatility
If pitching machines are made large and powerful to provide adequate pitch variety, then pitch variability is improved, but portability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pitching machine into modular components that can be adjusted and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the device to provide diverse pitch variety through adjustable parameters rather than requiring multiple large mechanical subsystems, thereby maintaining portability while achieving pitch variability
3Device complexity
If conventional machines use fixed-power mechanisms, then device simplicity is improved, but the ability to simulate real-game pitch variations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing adjustment of power level, speed, incidence angle, and pitch type through control mechanisms. This enables the fixed-power base mechanism to produce variable pitches by changing operational parameters rather than requiring complex variable-power mechanical systems
4Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable balls are used for environmental friendliness, then environmental sustainability is improved, but ball handling reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using flexible and soft materials specifically in the ball handling components such as the ball shaker and rotating arm. This localized application of material properties ensures gentle handling of biodegradable balls at critical contact points, maintaining reliability while preserving environmental benefits
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 device provides a portable and user-friendly training aid that simulates real-game pitch variability, improving hitting skills without the need for frequent ball retrieval, as biodegradable balls break down naturally, and can be used in various locations, enhancing hand-eye coordination and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
A compact, lightweight, automated biodegradable projectile launcher with a rotating arm and spinning wheels, powered by small motors, that can launch biodegradable balls
Implementation Method 2
Additionally, the present invention comprises multiple components such as a ball shaker, a rotating arm, spinning wheels etc., that comprises flexible and soft materials that cater to the smooth handling of the biodegradable projectiles
Implementation Method 3
The use of biodegradable balls further prevents the need to collect the balls after practice as they break on forced contact into smaller pieces and dissolve when wet with water
Data Source
AI summary
The automated projectile launching device is a pitching machine that can launch biodegradable balls. The device is intended to provide a portable batter-training implement, that is capable of giving the user the change in velocity, angle of pitch and change in range, that comes naturally because of the variations in dimensions of bio-degradable balls. The use of bio-degradable balls further prevents the need to collect the balls after practice as they break on forced contact into smaller pieces and dissolve when wet with water, making it environment friendly. Furthermore, the compact, lightweight, and portable pitching machine includes multiple placement and incline options. Additionally, the device includes multiple components that are flexible, for the smooth handling of the bio-degradable balls. Thus, the automated projectile launching device is a unique training aid for all hitters, that can provide various pitch locations and angle variations effortlessly, and thus effective training.