Multi-Wheel Serving Machine for Breaking Ball Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing serving machines are inadequate for advanced training needs of athletes and professional players, failing to simulate complex ball serving actions such as inside pitch and outshoot, limiting their effectiveness in improving skills.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wheel serving machine with adjustable serving wheels, rotating serving member, and adjustable distance between wheels, enabling simulation of various breaking balls like sinker, inside pitch, and outshoot, and accommodating different ball sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-wheel serving machine is used, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot simulate complex breaking ball actions such as inside pitch and outshoot
Solution Approach 1:
The serving machine divides the single serving wheel into multiple independent serving wheels (at least three), each capable of independent rotation and control. This segmentation allows each wheel to simulate different breaking ball actions individually, while collectively providing comprehensive training capabilities for various pitch types including sinker, inside pitch, and outshoot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of multiple serving wheels through independent driving units for each wheel, allowing real-time adjustment of rotation speed and direction. The serving member can also rotate about its axis dynamically. This dynamic capability enables simulation of complex breaking ball actions by varying the rotational parameters of different wheels during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the serving wheels are fixed in position, then the device structure is stable, but it cannot accommodate different ball sizes and adjust serving parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the positions of serving wheels adjustable through movable mounting structures. Each serving wheel can be repositioned along the serving member or adjusted in its mounting location, allowing adaptation to different ball sizes and serving requirements. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same device to serve multiple sports including baseball, tennis, and table tennis.
Solution Approach 2:
The serving machine is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate different ball sizes and types through adjustable wheel positions and spacing. The same device structure can serve multiple sports disciplines by adjusting the configuration of serving wheels, making it a multi-functional training device rather than sport-specific equipment.
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 simulation of diverse breaking ball types and sizes, enhancing training realism and effectiveness for athletes, catering to a wide range of sports including baseball, tennis, and table tennis.
Implementation Method 1
By adjusting the rotation speed of a plurality of serving wheels, a plurality of serving wheels rub against respective surfaces of the balls at the serving position to propel the ball to be released outwards
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-wheel serving machine, comprising a support frame; a mounting base provided on support frame; a serving member provided on mounting base; the serving member is provided with a serving channel, and a plurality of openings connecting with serving channel are provided on outer wall of serving member; a plurality of serve driving components are provided around outer wall of serving member; serve driving components include serving wheels and each serving wheel extends into the serving channel at least partially from an opening, and a serving position is formed among plurality of serving wheels; by adjusting rotation speed of a plurality of serving wheels, a plurality of serving wheels rub against respective surfaces of balls at serving position at different rotation speeds to push balls to serve various different breaking balls.