Pitching Feedback Ball with Planar Core and Wobble Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional baseball and softball pitching techniques make it difficult for pitchers to determine if they have a proper grip and release for optimal pitch characteristics, as the methods lack clear feedback on improper throwing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A ball training device with a core having planar sides and an exterior cover with seams, designed to fly smoothly when thrown correctly and wobble when thrown improperly, providing immediate feedback to pitchers on their grip and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional baseball pitching techniques are used, then pitchers can practice throwing pitches, but it is difficult to determine if they have proper grip and release for optimal pitch characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual feedback through the flight path observation. The training ball's flight characteristics (smooth vs. wobbly) provide immediate visual feedback to the pitcher about grip and release accuracy, eliminating the need for complex measurement devices while achieving precise measurement of throwing technique
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements immediate feedback through the ball's flight behavior. When thrown with proper technique, the ball flies smoothly; when thrown improperly, it wobbles. This inherent feedback mechanism allows pitchers to self-correct without external intervention or complex measurement systems
2Loss of information
If conventional pitching training is used, then pitchers can throw balls, but there is no immediate feedback on improper throwing techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The training ball provides immediate visual feedback through its flight path. Properly thrown balls fly smoothly while improperly thrown balls wobble, giving pitchers real-time information about their technique without requiring coaches or additional equipment to provide feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The ball itself serves as the feedback mechanism. The flight characteristics automatically indicate whether the throw was proper or improper, eliminating the need for external observers, video analysis, or complex measurement systems to provide training feedback
Data Source
AI summary
A ball training system for pitchers for effectively improving the pitching abilities of a baseball or softball pitcher. The ball training system for pitchers generally includes a ball training device including a core having a first side and a second side, an exterior cover surrounding a portion of the core, a plurality of seams attached to the exterior cover, a first cover attached to the first side of the core, and a second cover attached to the second side of the core. The first side and the second side of the core are each preferably planar and parallel to one another. When the ball training device is properly thrown by a pitcher, the ball training device's flight is substantially smooth and if the improperly thrown the ball training device will wobble inflight.