Ball-Throwing Launch Wheel Feedback for Wear Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball-throwing machines often operate for extended periods without being checked for operational issues, leading to wear and tear in components like launch wheels and motors, affecting the accuracy and reliability of ball launch, which is not easily detected by trainers or staff.
Innovation Solution
The ball-throwing machine incorporates operational sensors, such as accelerometers and microphones, to monitor and analyze vibration and sound data, comparing it to expected data signatures to detect anomalies and generate alerts for abnormal operations, ensuring consistent performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ball-throwing machine operates for extended periods without checking, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and tear on components
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors motor current draw and compares it against expected ranges to detect deviations indicating component wear or operational issues. This feedback loop enables real-time reliability assessment without interrupting productivity, allowing the machine to operate continuously while maintaining component health through automated monitoring and alerting.
2Reliability
If operational sensors are added to monitor the machine, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the machine's existing motor and power system to provide self-diagnosis by monitoring current draw, eliminating the need for separate sensors on moving components. This self-service approach improves reliability through automated monitoring while minimizing added complexity by leveraging already-present electrical infrastructure rather than introducing additional mechanical or electronic sensing elements.
3Loss of time
If the machine operates without regular maintenance, then loss of time is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to wheel wear affecting ball launch accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of component degradation through continuous current monitoring before wear significantly impacts ball launch accuracy. By identifying issues early through electrical parameter analysis, the system enables scheduled maintenance during non-operational periods, preventing precision deterioration while minimizing maintenance downtime through proactive rather than reactive servicing.
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 system enhances the reliability and consistency of ball launch by detecting and alerting operators to potential issues, maintaining training quality and extending the machine's operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
obtain vibration data from the operational sensors
Implementation Method 2
obtain sound data from the operational sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A ball-throwing machine is disclosed that includes one or more launch wheels configured to impart motion to one or more balls, a wheel motor coupled to each of the one or more launch wheels, a first encoder coupled to a first wheel motor coupled to a first launch wheel, a frame attached to the one or more launch wheels, and a control circuit configured to control the one or more launch wheels. In some instances, the control circuit includes a processor, and non-transitory, computer-readable medium having logic stored thereon, wherein the logic, upon execution by the processor, is configured to cause performance of operations including: receiving wheel motor data from the first encoder, wherein the wheel motor data includes a log of revolutions per minute of the first wheel motor, and detect whether a first ball was launched based on a variation in the wheel motor data.