Oscillating Ball Throwing Machine with Dual Motor Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-end ball throwing machines for sports training are expensive due to complex electronic and mechanical components required for varied throwing directions, making them inaccessible to many athletes.
Innovation Solution
A ball throwing machine utilizing a motor assembly with a linkage or cam system to achieve adjustable vertical throwing angles and fine oscillations, allowing for both nominal and oscillatory adjustments without the need for complicated electronic circuitry, using a first motor for nominal angle setting and a second motor for oscillation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complicated electronic circuitry and mechanical components are used to control throwing direction variations, then the ball throwing machine can provide more realistic practice with varied trajectories, but the device becomes expensive to manufacture and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent motor assemblies: a first motor assembly for controlling left-right throwing direction variations, and a second motor assembly for controlling up-down throwing direction variations. Each motor assembly operates independently with its own drive shaft, cam, and linkage mechanism, eliminating the need for complex integrated electronic controls while achieving comprehensive trajectory control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic mechanical components including cams with varying eccentricities and linkages that convert rotational motor motion into oscillating throwing wheel motions. This allows the throwing direction to be dynamically adjusted through mechanical means rather than static electronic control, providing realistic practice scenarios with natural trajectory variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If higher end machines are provided with more control ways for trajectory variation, then more realistic practice is achieved, but the construction makes them expensive for the consumer
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into modular components: two independent motor assemblies, each with its own cam and linkage mechanism, allowing for standardized mass production of identical units. This segmentation enables economies of scale in manufacturing while maintaining advanced trajectory control capabilities through the combination of two simple, identical modules rather than one complex module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses two identical motor assemblies with the same cam and linkage design, effectively copying a proven mechanical control mechanism twice rather than developing a single complex electronic control system. This copying approach reduces R&D costs and simplifies manufacturing while achieving superior adaptability through the combined output of both assemblies.
3Measurement precision
If electronic motor controls are used to control throwing variations, then precise trajectory control is achieved, but implementation becomes difficult and accurate control is hard to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic motor controls with a purely mechanical control system using cams and linkages. The cams convert the rotational motion of simple motors into precise oscillating motions of the throwing wheels, achieving accurate trajectory control through mechanical geometry rather than electronic feedback loops. This substitution eliminates complex electronics while maintaining or improving control precision through the inherent mechanical precision of cam profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system is self-regulating, where the cam profile itself determines the throwing trajectory without requiring external electronic control signals. The system serves itself by converting motor rotation into precise wheel oscillation through the fixed geometric relationship of the cam and follower, eliminating the need for sensors, feedback circuits, or complex control algorithms.
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 cost-effective and simplified control over ball throwing directions, providing realistic practice scenarios for athletes by allowing adjustable vertical and horizontal trajectories without the complexity and expense of advanced electronic controls.
Implementation Method 1
the assembly may also include first and second linkage portions, and an offset cam connected to one of the first and second linkage portions. Preferably, operation of the second motor rotates the cam to provide the oscillation of the yoke assembly
Implementation Method 2
a motor assembly mechanically coupled to the yoke assembly for vertically moving the yoke assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A ball throwing machine for throwing projectiles, such as tennis balls or baseballs, includes a yoke assembly for projecting balls and a motor assembly for providing both nominal vertical throwing as well as oscillating vertical movement of the yoke assembly. The machine provides fine variations in the vertical trajectories of the balls being thrown and preferably eliminates the need for complicated electronic circuit controls and/or mechanical components.