Moveable Ball Holder for Dynamic Baseball Training
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball hitting training aids limit batter development by consistently presenting the ball at the same height and location, hindering hand-eye coordination and requiring manual ball replacement after each swing.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical tee with a moveable ball holder controlled by an electronic controller, capable of varying the ball's height, position, speed, and angle within a three-dimensional strike zone, using suction and pneumatic systems, and featuring automatic ball feeding to simulate real game conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ball hitting training aids hold the ball at a stationary position, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the batter development is hindered because balls are continuously hit at the same location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary ball holder into a moveable one that can change position in three-dimensional space. The ball holder is equipped with motors and control systems that enable it to move horizontally, vertically, and rotate to present balls at varying locations, thereby improving adaptability while managing device complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The ball holder is designed to perform multiple functions: holding the ball, moving to different positions, rotating to adjust angles, and coordinating with the pitching machine. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide varied batting practice scenarios, enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple separate devices
2Productivity
If conventional ball hitting training aids require manual ball replacement, then the device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced due to time loss between swings
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through the automatic ball feeding mechanism. After a ball is hit or removed, the feeding system automatically retrieves a replacement ball from the storage container and positions it in the ball holder without requiring manual intervention. This enables continuous training operations and significantly improves productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing multiple balls in a container before the training session begins. The automatic feeding system is pre-configured to know when and where to deliver balls, allowing the system to proactively prepare and supply balls in advance, eliminating downtime between swings
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hitting aids present balls at the same height, then the operation is simple, but hand-eye coordination training is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the ball's position and the holder's orientation, and this information is fed back to the control system. The control system processes this data and adjusts motor commands to achieve precise three-dimensional ball presentation at target locations, managing operational complexity through intelligent control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control systems. Motors, sensors, and microcontrollers substitute for manual positioning, enabling precise three-dimensional ball presentation while reducing the operational complexity for the user. The system electronically coordinates movement across multiple axes rather than requiring manual mechanical manipulation
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 hand-eye coordination and reduces strike outs by presenting the ball at random locations and angles, allowing continuous training without manual ball replacement, effectively mimicking game situations and improving batting performance.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible tubing may have a suction cup at one end to hold a ball vertically and in a suspended manner for striking
Implementation Method 2
The vertical stand may have an air compressor and an attachment for pneumatically tossing or propelling a ball upward for striking
Data Source
AI summary
A ball hitting training device for batting practice including a stand, a moveable ball holder supported by the stand, and an electronic controller. The electronic controller can move the ball holder side-to-side horizontally, in a swinging motion vertically, inward and outward horizontally, and/or up and down. A vacuum pump and a suction line can support a ball via a suction cup which is part of the ball holder. A computer including memory and a program are included to determine a three dimensional baseball strike zone for a player based on inputs as to at least the player's height and shoulder location. The electronic controller directs the ball holder to move the ball through the determined three-dimensional strike zone at various heights during a batting training session to train the hand-eye movement of a batter to hit the ball at varying locations within the determined three-dimensional strike zone.