Pitching Machine Micro-Adjustment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pitching machines require cumbersome and risky micro-adjustments, often necessitating two people or one person using both hands to fine-tune pitch location, with a top-heavy design that can lead to sudden movement or tipping of the pitching head if not properly held.
Innovation Solution
A pitching machine equipped with a micro-adjustment system featuring reverse-threaded spindles and knobs that allow incremental rotation of the pitching head about pivot axes, enabling single-handed fine-tuning of pitch location without the need for continuous loosening and locking of handles, thus maintaining the head in a secure position during adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional macro-adjustment devices are used for micro-adjustments, then the pitching head can be repositioned, but the adjustment process requires numerous locking and unlocking cycles and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into two independent components: macro-adjustment devices for coarse positioning and micro-adjustment devices for fine-tuning. The micro-adjustment devices include threaded spindles with knobs that enable precise incremental adjustments without requiring repeated locking and unlocking cycles, thus reducing adjustment time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
Threaded spindles act as intermediary mechanisms between the user's rotational input (via knobs) and the pitching head's positional adjustment. The threading converts rotational motion into precise linear displacement, enabling micro-adjustments without direct manual manipulation of the heavy pitching head
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pitching head is designed to be top-heavy for stability, then the machine has a stable base, but micro-adjustments become difficult and risky requiring two users or both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly serves as an intermediary that decouples the heavy pitching head from direct user manipulation during micro-adjustments. When engaged, it secures the pitching head in place, allowing users to make fine adjustments without physically supporting the head's weight, thus maintaining both stability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly automatically retains the pitching head in position during adjustments, eliminating the need for continuous manual support. The system serves itself by mechanically holding the head steady while the micro-adjustment mechanism performs the positioning function
3Reliability
If locking handles are used to secure the pitching head, then the head remains stable, but micro-adjustments require repeated loosening and tightening which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into independent macro-adjustment and micro-adjustment systems. The micro-adjustment system with threaded spindles can operate without repeatedly engaging or disengaging the locking handles, as the spindles provide fine positioning within the locked range, reducing the number of locking cycles required
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded spindle mechanism allows continuous micro-adjustments to be made while the locking handle remains engaged. This eliminates the discontinuous cycle of loosening and tightening, maintaining continuous control over the pitching head position and simplifying the overall adjustment process
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
Facilitates easy and accurate micro-adjustments of pitch location, reducing the risk of the pitching head movement or tipping, allowing a single user to perform adjustments efficiently and safely without the need for additional support or assistance.
Implementation Method 1
A first micro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head, and includes a first adjusting element that, when repositioned, incrementally rotates the pitching head about the first pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
A pitching machine configured for adjustment by a user, and including a pitching head, a first macro-adjustment device and a first micro-adjustment device. The pitching head is situated atop a stand. The pitching head includes a first wheel spaced apart from an opposing surface and a first motor for driving the first wheel. The first macro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head and includes a first locking assembly that, when loosened, allows manual rotation of the pitching head about a first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head, and includes a first adjusting element that, when repositioned, incrementally rotates the pitching head about the first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device configured for operation by a single hand of a user, and the first macro-adjustment device retaining the pitching head in a secure position during adjustment of the first micro-adjustment device.