Sports Ball Training Device With Spring-Driven Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports ball delivery devices rely on electronic systems for timing and control, requiring continuous power sources or user intervention, lacking the ability to operate autonomously and unpredictably.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical device with a spring motor, freewheel, and rate limiter mechanism for time-controlled ball delivery, eliminating the need for electronic controls and allowing continuous operation without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic systems are used for ball delivery timing and control, then timing precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity and power source requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic timing and control systems with a purely mechanical timing mechanism. The mechanical timer uses a spring-driven gear system with a pawl and ratchet to advance balls at predetermined intervals without requiring batteries or electronic circuits, thereby maintaining timing precision while reducing device complexity and eliminating power source requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical timer is self-regulating through its gear and pawl-ratchet mechanism, automatically advancing the ball delivery cycle without external power or control. The system serves itself by using the kinetic energy from ball loading to drive the timing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate power sources and electronic control systems.
2Speed
If electric motors are used to advance balls and control release, then ball delivery speed and consistency are improved, but reliance on batteries or external power sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric motors with a mechanical ball advancement system. Balls are advanced through a inclined plane or conveyor mechanism driven by the user's loading action, and release is controlled by a mechanical latch triggered by ball impact or timer activation, eliminating the need for batteries or external power while maintaining consistent delivery speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system maintains continuous ball delivery by using the kinetic energy from each ball's loading and release to drive the next cycle. The spring-loaded mechanism stores energy during ball loading and releases it automatically, ensuring uninterrupted ball delivery without requiring periodic recharging or power source replacement.
3Ease of operation
If user-triggered release mechanisms are used, then user control over ball release timing is improved, but unpredictability element is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid release mechanism where the mechanical timer provides periodic ball advancement, but the actual release is triggered by unpredictable user actions such as hitting a target ball or interrupting the ball flow. This combines the regularity of mechanical timing with the unpredictability of user-triggered events, maintaining both ease of operation and training effectiveness.
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 autonomous, time-regulated delivery of sports balls mimicking a human toss, enhancing training by introducing unpredictability and reducing reliance on batteries or external power.
Implementation Method 1
a spring motor, freewheel, and rate limiter mechanism for time-controlled ball delivery
Implementation Method 2
a spring motor, freewheel, and rate limiter mechanism for time-controlled ball delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A device capable of repeatedly delivering one or more sports balls to the user in a time-controlled manner that mimics a human toss, without the use of electronic controls or electronic regulators. The device may be customizable to fit the needs or preferences of the user, such as being collapsible, foldable, expandable, or otherwise able to increase or decrease its enclosed volume or capacity. Similarly, the height, angle, and elevation of the present invention may be adjustable through members that may also be collapsible, foldable, telescoping, or otherwise adjusted. Embodiments of the device include time control elements to restrict the delivery of the sports balls that utilize friction, air resistance, fluid resistance, magnetism, Eddy current braking, resonance, vibration, or any combination therein to influence the time control.