Soft-toss pitching machine with dynamic arm and solenoid release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pitching machines do not effectively simulate the soft-toss pitching style, which is essential for practice in baseball and softball, as they lack the precision and variability needed to replicate a live pitcher's motion and release.
Innovation Solution
A soft-toss pitching machine with a housing, feeder tube, swivel, and drive system that includes a stepper motor and microprocessor to control the pitcher arm's movement, allowing for adjustable pitch types and distances, and a solenoid ball gate for precise ball release, mimicking the motion and variability of a live pitcher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing pitching machines are used, then pitching practice can be conducted, but they cannot effectively simulate soft-toss pitching style with precision and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The pitching machine employs a dynamic arm mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom, including a rotatable arm assembly and adjustable release position, to simulate the natural variability of soft-toss pitching motion. The arm can be positioned at different angles and release points to create diverse pitch types while maintaining realistic motion trajectories.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes adjustable parameters including arm release position, arm angle, feed tube position, and ball release timing to vary pitch characteristics. These parameters can be modified to simulate different pitching styles, speeds, and trajectories, providing both precision and versatility in pitching practice.
2Extent of automation
If a mechanical drive system is used to move the pitcher arm, then automated pitching is achieved, but the motion lacks the natural variability of a live pitcher
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical drive system incorporates dynamic elements such as a rotatable arm assembly with adjustable release positions and a feed tube with variable positioning. These dynamic components allow the automated system to produce natural pitching motion variability by changing arm trajectory, release timing, and ball delivery angle during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-adjusting mechanisms where the arm automatically returns to its starting position after each pitch, and the feed tube automatically feeds the next ball into position. This self-service capability maintains continuous automated operation while preserving motion variability through programmable parameter changes.
3Speed
If the pitcher arm moves quickly to increase pitching speed, then practice efficiency improves, but the soft-toss style with proper motion is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows independent adjustment of pitching speed parameters while maintaining motion accuracy through controlled arm movement profiles. The drive mechanism can operate at varying speeds with programmable acceleration and deceleration phases, enabling fast pitching delivery while preserving the proper soft-toss motion trajectory and release mechanics.
Data Source
AI summary
A soft-toss pitching machine for soft-pitch practice includes a housing and a feeder tube coupled within an inside of the housing and extending from a feed aperture to a dispense aperture. A plurality of legs is coupled to the housing. A swivel is coupled to the housing and a pitcher arm is coupled to the swivel. The pitcher arm has a rest position, a first alternate wound position, and a second alternate release position in front of the housing. A pitcher hand is coupled to the pitcher arm and is configured to secure a ball with the pitcher arm in, and moving between, the rest position and the first alternate wound position. The pitcher hand is configured to release the ball when the pitcher arm moves to the release position. A drive is in operational communication with the swivel and moves the pitcher arm.