External Turning Device for Ball Launcher Trajectory Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tennis ball launchers, whether sophisticated and expensive or basic, often require manual operations and lack a simple, cost-effective mechanism for varying ball trajectories, reducing their practicality and portability.
Innovation Solution
A separate turning device with a base, platform, and controlled force generator that angularly displaces a ball launcher, allowing balls to be propelled in varying directions, featuring a turning mechanism and securing means to minimize slippage, and optionally controlled by a remote station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a sophisticated automated maneuvering mechanism is integrated into the ball launcher, then the ball trajectories can be varied automatically, 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 with oscillating mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex automated maneuvering function to be isolated in the turning device while keeping the ball launcher simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate turning device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the ball launcher. This intermediary contains the oscillating mechanism that automatically varies ball trajectories, eliminating the need for integrated complex maneuvering systems in the ball launcher itself.
2Device complexity
If manual aiming operations are required to direct balls to different areas, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to unwieldy manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The turning device incorporates an oscillating mechanism that dynamically adjusts the launcher's orientation automatically. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for static manual aiming while keeping the overall device structure simple and easy to operate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a turning device is added to vary ball trajectories, then training effectiveness is improved, but the weight and portability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the ball launching function from the trajectory variation function into two distinct devices. This allows the turning device to be a compact, lightweight add-on that provides trajectory variation without significantly increasing the overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning device serves multiple functions: it varies ball trajectories, can accommodate different launcher types through adjustable securing means, and provides oscillating motion patterns. This multi-functionality achieves trajectory variation without requiring a proportionally large increase in weight.
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
Enhances training effectiveness by challenging players with unpredictable ball trajectories, improving stroke techniques and coordination without adding weight or cost, and maintaining portability.
Implementation Method 1
a controlled force generator which is housed within said turning device... and a turning mechanism that is configured to cause the ball launcher to undergo angular displacement relative to said base, in response to a force transmitted to said turning mechanism by said force generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
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.