Rotating Arm Pitching Machine with Automated Spin Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball-throwing machines, particularly wheeled and arm-style pitching machines, lack the ability to deliver a variety of pitches with controlled spins and locations without manual adjustment, fail to simulate realistic human pitching motions, and are inefficient in energy use and user interface.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical arm pitching machine with a rotating arm, adjustable spin mechanism, and automated control system that allows for interchangeable pitches, locations, and speeds, using air springs for energy efficiency and a user-friendly interface for programming and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a wheeled machine is used to propel the ball, then the machine can automatically throw pitches without manual adjustment, but the machine lacks realistic simulation of human pitching motion and visual cues for the batter
Solution Approach 1:
The pitching mechanism is divided into separate functional segments: a rotating arm for realistic motion simulation, a ball holder for ball presentation, and a control system for automated pitch delivery. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together to achieve both automation and realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine integrates multiple functions into a single system: the rotating arm provides both the visual cue of ball presentation and the mechanical motion of pitching, while the control system manages both automation and pitch variation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by combining automated delivery with realistic simulation capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an arm mechanism is used to propel the ball, then realistic simulation of human pitching motion is achieved, but the machine cannot deliver varied pitches with controlled spins and locations without manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives input from the user interface specifying desired pitch characteristics (location, speed, spin) and automatically adjusts the arm's motion parameters accordingly. This feedback loop enables automated delivery of varied pitches while maintaining realistic arm motion simulation throughout the pitching sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters during the pitching motion including arm angle, release speed, and ball spin based on real-time control signals. This dynamic control allows the machine to deliver varied pitches automatically while maintaining the realistic simulation of human pitching mechanics.
3Device complexity
If traditional mechanical springs are used to power the arm, then the machine structure is simple, but energy efficiency is poor and adjustment is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical spring system is replaced with an electric motor that provides power to the arm mechanism. This substitution improves energy efficiency and allows for easier, more precise control of arm motion while maintaining relatively simple overall machine structure through the use of standard electric motor components.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual trial-and-error adjustment is used to program pitch parameters, then the machine can be set up, but delays occur and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically calculates and applies the necessary adjustments to achieve the desired pitch parameters based on user inputs. The system self-adjusts the arm motion, ball release timing, and spin characteristics without requiring manual trial-and-error adjustment, thereby eliminating time losses and improving user convenience.
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 the machine to throw various pitches with controlled spins and locations automatically, providing a realistic simulation of human pitching motion while improving energy efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
using air springs for energy efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A game ball throwing machine utilizing a rotating arm to pitch a game ball, able to induce a variety of spins and types of pitches interchangeably. The ball thrower includes a base, a support frame attached to the base, rotating arm mechanism attached to the support frame, a source of power rotating the arm, ball holding means attached to the arm, and a human-machine interface which enables control of ball spin, release point, speed and target location. A novel software program integrates the throwing machine, indexing elements and one or more human-machine interface screens, calculating pitch parameters and converting them to machine outputs to enable customization of pitch variety and characteristics to the same or different locations rapidly with a high degree of accuracy, including means to simulate a known pitcher's unique pitch collection.