Robotic Athletic Training for Dynamic Projectile Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional athletic training devices fail to provide an optimal training experience simulating real-world, in-game variable movement in a compressed training area, leading to fatigue and suboptimal development of eye-hand coordination.

Innovation Solution

An athletic training performance analysis apparatus equipped with robotic elements and sensors that simulate dynamic movement, allowing athletes to practice athletic skills in a controlled environment, including robots that can throw, catch, or move projectiles, and sensors that track and analyze the trajectory of the projectiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional athletic training devices are used, then training can be conducted in a simple setup, but the training experience fails to simulate real-world variable movement and causes athlete fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation of real-world variable movementVSAvoidtraining device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The training device incorporates a robotic mechanism that dynamically adjusts the position and movement of the target object, transforming a static training setup into a dynamic one that simulates real-game conditions. The robot controlled by the processor moves the target along predetermined paths, creating variable movement patterns that adapt during training sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A robotic intermediary mechanism is introduced between the athlete and the target, serving as a mediator that generates realistic movement patterns. The robot acts as an intermediate system that translates training parameters into naturalistic target movements, allowing athletes to practice against simulated opponent behavior without requiring actual opponents or complex human coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If athletes practice dynamic shooting by moving their bodies, then eye-hand coordination is developed, but physical fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeye-hand coordination developmentVSAvoidtraining duration before fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the athlete to move their body to create dynamic training scenarios, the system inverts the approach by keeping the athlete relatively stationary and having the robotic mechanism move the target. This reversal maintains the training effectiveness for eye-hand coordination while eliminating the physical fatigue associated with repeated full-body movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical requirement for athlete body movement with an automated robotic mechanism. The robot's motorized movement system substitutes for the athlete's physical movement, allowing the same training objectives to be achieved through automated target motion rather than athlete exertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed hoop is used for training, then the setup is simple and stable, but it fails to provide dynamic training scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic training scenariosVSAvoidtraining setup simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic mechanism serves multiple functions: it can move the target along different paths, vary the speed and direction of movement, and adapt to different training drills. This multi-functional capability allows a single device to provide numerous dynamic training scenarios that would otherwise require multiple different training setups or equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250339737A1Sporting apparatus, system, method, and computer program product

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 DECARLO CHRISTOPHER

AI summary

According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus, system, method and/or computer program product may provide an athletic training performance analysis apparatus including at least one athletic training performance analysis device including at least one user interface coupled to the at least one athletic training performance analysis device configured to interact with a user to receive a user selection of at least one training performance analysis routine, the at least one user interface may include: at least one electronic computer processor; at least one input device coupled to the at least one electronic computer processor to receive the user selection; at least one output device coupled to the at least one electronic computer processor to provide output to the user; at least one electronic memory coupled to the at least one electronic computer processor; and at least one of: wherein the at least one electronic computer processor is configured to save or retrieve the at least one training performance analysis routine from the at least one memory; where the at least one electronic computer processor is configured to electronically monitor and electronically analyze the at least one training performance analysis routine; wherein the at least one electronic computer processor is configured to randomize at least one challenge by the at least one athletic training performance analysis device; or wherein the electronic computer processor is configured to at least one of: combine a plurality of previously saved of the at least one training performance analysis routine, or shuffle a plurality of previously saved of the at least one training performance analysis routine.