Multi-ball pitching trainer with detachable secondary balls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-ball devices for pitching training, such as double balls, lack customization options and optimal weight distribution, making them less effective for visual pitch analysis and handling for less experienced, younger, or smaller pitchers.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-ball devices comprising a primary ball and one or more detachable secondary balls, allowing for various arrangements and sizes, which can be attached using mechanisms like threaded connections, providing improved customization, weight distribution, and visual analysis capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a double ball with two equal-sized softballs permanently attached is used, then the device provides visible spin analysis and increased weight for training, but it lacks customization options and optimal weight distribution for different skill levels
Solution Approach 1:
The training device is segmented into a primary ball and multiple detachable secondary balls. This allows users to customize the configuration by attaching different numbers and sizes of secondary balls to the primary ball, providing adaptability for various skill levels while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary balls are made detachable from the primary ball, allowing the device to dynamically change its configuration. Users can adjust the number, size, and arrangement of secondary balls based on their needs, transforming a static device into a dynamic, adaptable training tool.
2Ease of manufacture
If two equal-sized softballs are permanently attached, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it provides suboptimal weight distribution and visual analysis for diverse user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a primary ball and separate secondary balls that can be independently manufactured. This segmentation allows each component to be produced using standard softball manufacturing processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling customized weight distributions through different combinations of secondary balls.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary ball is designed with universal attachment features that can accommodate various sizes and numbers of secondary balls. This universal design allows a single primary ball to serve multiple training purposes with different weight distributions, eliminating the need to manufacture entirely different devices for different skill levels.
3Device complexity
If fixed-size secondary balls are used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide optimal visual analysis and grip training for less experienced, younger, or smaller pitchers
Solution Approach 1:
Secondary balls of different sizes can be selected and attached based on the specific needs of the user. Smaller pitchers can use smaller secondary balls that are easier to grip and control, while larger pitchers can use larger secondary balls. This local customization of ball size optimizes the grip and spin control training for each user's hand size and strength level.
Solution Approach 2:
The size parameter of the secondary balls can be changed to match the user's skill level, age, and physical characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows the device to provide appropriate challenge and training effectiveness across a wide range of users without increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are ball devices that can be used for training athletes how to properly throw, and more specifically, that can be used to train softball pitchers. The ball devices described here, referred to as multi-balls, include two or more balls (e.g., softballs and/or baseballs): a primary ball, and one or more secondary balls. The secondary ball(s) can be attached to the primary ball in any number of different arrangements. The secondary ball(s) can be detachable from and re-attachable to the primary ball to allow for customization. The attachability/detachability can be achieved using any number of mechanisms, such as but not limited to a threaded connection. Multi-balls according to the present disclosure provide improvement over prior art double balls, including better customization, better weight distribution, better suitability for visual pitch analysis, and better suitability for less experienced/younger/smaller pitchers, among other improved capabilities.