Motor-Driven Swing Arm for Realistic Moving-Ball Practice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swing training devices do not allow hitters to practice hitting a target, such as a ball, under realistic conditions, as they either interrupt the hitter's focus or do not provide the ability to hit a target without reducing realistic follow-through mechanics.
Innovation Solution
A swing training apparatus with a motor-driven swing arm that rotates a sports object, featuring a clutch assembly to allow rotation in one direction and resist rotation in the opposite direction, and an interchangeable pitch manipulation insert to simulate various pitches, allowing hitters to practice hitting a traveling object while maintaining focus and improving hand-eye coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a batting tee is used to hold a stationary ball, then hitters can practice swing mechanics, but hitters must interrupt each batting session to reset the ball onto the tee which obscures hitter focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary ball setup into a moving ball setup. The motor-driven arm rotates to deliver the ball along a simulated pitch trajectory, allowing the ball to move dynamically rather than remaining static on a tee. This enables continuous practice without resetting interruptions while maintaining realistic hitting conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If swing trainers with additional elements (weighted attachments, flexible shafts, resistance bands) are used, then users can develop muscle memory and strength, but users cannot hit a target such as a ball under realistic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the training functions into distinct components: the motor-driven arm and ball delivery system provides realistic moving target practice, while interchangeable training attachments can be added to the bat handle to provide resistance training and muscle memory development. This modular approach allows users to select different training modes without compromising realism.
3Ease of operation
If impact bags are used to practice hitting, then hitters can develop impact position and follow-through, but hitters cannot practice under realistic hitting conditions as impact bags reduce realistic follow-through mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a simplified version of a real pitched ball scenario. The motor-driven arm replicates the essential characteristics of a moving pitch (trajectory, speed, positioning) without requiring an actual pitcher or complex field setup. This allows hitters to practice against realistic moving targets while maintaining proper follow-through mechanics.
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
Enables hitters to practice hitting a traveling object in a realistic manner, improving hand-eye coordination, timing, and contact placement, while allowing for repeated practice without interrupting the hitter's focus.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, a clutch assembly coupled to the motor
Implementation Method 2
the clutch of the swing training apparatus is configured to allow rotation of the swing arm shaft in a first direction and provide resistance to the rotation of the swing arm shaft in an opposite second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A swing training apparatus provides the ability to improve hand-eye coordination, hand/hitting object speed, and other attributes to improve consistency and effectiveness in contacting a traveling object, such as a ball, with a hitting object, such as a bat or racquet. The swing training apparatus can include a motor, a clutch assembly coupled to the motor, and a swing arm coupled to the clutch assembly via a swing arm shaft in proximity to a first end of the swing arm. In some examples, a second end of the swing arm is coupled to a sports object, such as a ball, and the swing arm rotates about an axis corresponding to the swing arm shaft. In some examples, the clutch assembly is configured to allow rotation of the swing arm shaft in a first direction and provide resistance to the rotation of the swing arm shaft in an opposite second direction.