Single Wheel Pitching Machine with Segmented Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ball-throwing devices for sports practice, such as baseball and softball pitching machines, often lack the ability to provide varied pitch types and precise control over speed and spin, limiting the effectiveness of batting and fielding practice.
Innovation Solution
A ball propelling apparatus with a single wheel powered by a variable speed motor, integrated with a yoke frame and stand, allowing for precise control over pitch speed and spin through a control panel and adjustable pinch pads, enabling the simulation of different pitch types and trajectories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wheel is used in the ball propelling apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the ability to provide varied pitch types and precise control over speed and spin is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single wheel is segmented into multiple independently controllable sections or zones around its circumference. Each section can be controlled by separate motors or actuators, allowing different parts of the wheel to impart different speeds and spins to the ball, thereby creating varied pitch types while maintaining a single-wheel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel transitions from a static, uniform structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure where the speed and spin characteristics can be changed in real-time during operation. This is achieved through variable speed motors, adjustable pinch pads, and controllable wheel sections that can modify their properties dynamically to simulate different pitch types.
2Ease of operation
If a single wheel is used in the ball propelling apparatus, then the design is simplified and ease of use is improved, but the precision control over pitch speed and spin is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor the actual speed and spin of the pitched ball and provide feedback to the control mechanism. This allows the system to automatically adjust wheel speed, pinch pad pressure, and wheel section activation to achieve the desired pitch characteristics with high precision, while the operator simply needs to select the pitch type through an intuitive interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls multiple parameters (wheel speed, pinch pad position and pressure, wheel section activation) to achieve precise control over pitch characteristics. By independently adjusting these parameters, the system can precisely control both speed and spin while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pinch pads are added to the single wheel apparatus, then the control over spin and trajectory is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pinch pads are integrated directly into the single wheel structure, merging the function of the wheel and pinch pads into a unified component. This reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate wheels and pinch pad mechanisms, while still providing the spin control benefits of pinch pads.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wheel with integrated pinch pads serves multiple functions: propelling the ball forward, imparting spin, and controlling trajectory. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatile pitch control.
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
The apparatus provides realistic and adjustable ball throwing for batting and fielding practice, allowing for precise control over pitch speed and spin, enhancing player training by mimicking human pitching with varied pitch types and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a variable speed motor that propels a ball dropped into a chute
Implementation Method 2
one or more wheels that engage the ball as it passes through the wheels and impart speed and spin to the ball
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to pitch balls using one powered wheel. The system and method comprise a single powered wheel and at least two pinch pads configured with an aperture between them to allow a player to see the ball throughout the length of its descent into the aperture prior to being pitched.