Turning device for a ball launcher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic ball launchers, particularly tennis ball launchers, are either expensive with sophisticated built-in oscillating mechanisms or require manual operation, which increases cost and reduces portability, and there is a need for a cost-effective and portable solution that allows for varied ball direction without built-in complications.
Innovation Solution
A separate turning device comprising a base, platform, and turning mechanism with a controlled force generator, enabling angular displacement of the ball launcher to vary ball direction, which is portable and can be controlled remotely or manually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a built-in automated maneuvering mechanism is integrated into the ball launcher, then the ball launcher can automatically change direction, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a simple ball launcher and a separate turning device. The ball launcher remains basic and portable, while the turning device provides automated maneuvering capabilities. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity and cost while maintaining automated direction changing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate turning device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the ball launcher. This intermediary device receives control signals and translates them into directional changes, allowing the ball launcher itself to remain simple and portable while still achieving automated maneuvering through the external turning mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a built-in oscillating mechanism is integrated into the ball launcher, then the ball launcher can vary ball direction, but the weight and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The functionality for varying ball direction is segmented from the ball launcher and placed in a separate turning device. This allows the ball launcher to remain lightweight and portable, while the turning device provides the adaptability for direction variation. The two components work together to achieve the same effect as a built-in oscillating mechanism would provide.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding vertical weight to the ball launcher through a built-in oscillating mechanism, the direction variation capability is moved to a separate horizontal turning device. This dimensional separation allows the ball launcher to maintain its portability while still achieving versatile ball direction control through the external turning mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual operation is required for basic ball launchers, then the cost is reduced, but the ease of operation and training effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the manual-operable ball launcher from the automated turning device. The ball launcher itself remains simple and affordable to manufacture, while the turning device provides automated control capabilities. This segmentation allows basic launchers to maintain low cost while still benefiting from automated operation through the external turning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning device serves multiple functions: it provides automated maneuvering, varies ball direction, and can potentially be controlled through multiple interfaces (manual or automated). This multi-functionality allows a single external device to enhance the capabilities of basic ball launchers without requiring expensive built-in features, improving ease of operation while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, portable, and versatile means to direct balls in varying directions, enhancing training effectiveness by challenging players to react to unpredictable ball trajectories, thus improving stroke techniques without the weight and cost of built-in oscillating mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a turning mechanism housed within said turning device that is configured to cause said platform and the ball launcher to undergo angular displacement relative to said base, in response to a force transmitted to said turning mechanism by a controlled force generator
Implementation Method 2
one or more contact wheels adapted to be in rolling contact with an underside of the platform are movably mounted to the base to maintain a substantially uniform spacing between the base and platform
Data Source
AI summary
A ball launcher turning device external to the ball launcher comprises a base, a platform movably connected to said base and externally securable to the ball launcher, and a turning mechanism housed within the turning device that is configured to cause the platform and the ball launcher to undergo angular displacement relative to the base, in response to a force transmitted to the turning mechanism by a controlled force generator, to facilitate propulsion of balls ejected from the ball launcher in varying directions.