Elastic Strap Pitching Arm for Realistic Ball Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pitching machines are not compatible with plastic baseballs, which are lighter and less durable than real balls, and fail to accurately simulate the velocity and release motion of live pitching, making them inadequate for batting practice.
Innovation Solution
A pitching machine with a rotatable arm activated by an elastic strap, which propels balls along a channel, allowing for adjustable tension and speed, and is designed to handle hollow plastic balls, providing a more realistic pitching simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pitching machines use rotating wheels to propel balls, then they can achieve consistent ball speed, but they cannot accurately simulate the release motion and velocity profile of live pitching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional rotating wheel mechanism with an elastic band-driven arm system. The elastic band stores and releases energy to propel the arm through a pitching motion, substituting the continuous rotational mechanics with a elastic-powered reciprocating motion that better mimics human throwing mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental motion parameters by using an elastic band to create a rapid acceleration and deceleration profile similar to human pitching. The arm travels through a defined path with variable speed, starting slow, accelerating through the release point, and decelerating after release, rather than maintaining constant rotational speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pitching machines are designed for hardballs, then they can achieve durable operation, but they cannot handle lighter plastic balls which are needed for safer batting practice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pitching mechanism to be universally compatible with multiple ball types including both hardballs and plastic balls. The elastic band propulsion system and adjustable arm configuration allow the machine to adapt to different ball weights and materials, enabling a single device to serve multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the arm tension and release parameters can be modified to accommodate different ball types. The elastic band system naturally adapts to different masses through its elastic properties, allowing the same mechanism to handle both lightweight plastic balls and heavier hardballs effectively.
3Reliability
If arm pitching machines use springs to propel the arm, then they can simulate throwing motion, but they become heavy and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional heavy spring mechanisms with an elastic band propulsion system. The elastic band provides the necessary propulsive force while being significantly lighter than conventional springs, reducing overall machine weight while maintaining the ability to simulate throwing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastic band (flexible element) to replace rigid spring components. This flexible propulsion element provides the necessary elastic energy storage and release while being much lighter and more compact, contributing to the machine's portability without sacrificing motion simulation capability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic balls are used for batting practice, then safety is improved, but the balls lose velocity rapidly and do not simulate real hitting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the velocity profile parameters by using an elastic band-driven arm that delivers a rapid acceleration similar to live pitching. The ball is propelled through a controlled path with increasing speed up to the release point, maintaining a velocity curve that better simulates real pitching conditions compared to conventional machines.
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 throw balls at varying speeds, simulating live pitching, is lightweight, portable, and easy to operate, while being durable enough for plastic balls, enhancing batting practice by improving timing and bat speed skills.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic strap connected to a first end of the pitching arm and connected to the frame wherein the elastic strap biases the pitching arm and hand to the rest position and away from the first position and away from the second position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pitching machine comprising a ball path having ball entry point and a ball exit point; a pitching arm rotatably attached to the frame comprising a first end and a second end having an arcuate hand wherein the pitching arm rotates the pitching hand; and an elastic strap connected to a first end of the pitching arm and connected to the frame wherein the elastic strap activates the pitching and wherein the pitching arm is manually rotated to a first position defined by a stop such that a ball inserted at the entry point to the ball path will interact with the pitching arm and wherein the elastic strap biases the pitching arm from the first position to the second position propelling the ball along the ball path toward the ball exit.