Throwing Technique Training Apparatus Kinetic Chain Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing training devices and methods for throwing techniques focus primarily on arm and wrist motion, neglecting body alignment, stability, leverage, direction, and rotation, and are not adjustable for children or individuals recovering from arm injuries, leading to a high incidence of injuries and ineffective rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an elongated member, a weighted element, and a flexible joining means that mimics the kinetic chain of energy originating from the feet, utilizing balance, momentum, direction, and rotation to transfer kinetic energy to the throwing arm, allowing for proper technique practice by children and adults, including those recovering from injuries, by acting as a substitute for the throwing arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If training devices focus on arm and wrist motion to teach throwing technique, then throwing velocity and power can be improved, but the risk of arm, shoulder, elbow, and wrist injuries increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the throwing arm from the training process by using a robotic mechanism that automatically performs the throwing motion. The athlete focuses solely on generating body momentum and rotational force, while the robot handles the arm movement, ball release, and velocity measurement. This separation eliminates arm injury risk while maintaining power development training.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic throwing device acts as an intermediary between the athlete's body motion and the ball. Instead of the athlete's arm directly contacting and releasing the ball, the robot receives the ball from the athlete and performs the release. This intermediary mechanism protects the athlete's arm while still allowing training of the kinetic chain from feet through body rotation.
2Reliability
If pitchers are placed on medical leave to heal from arm injuries, then the injury can recover, but the pitcher loses playing time and may face career or financial consequences
Solution Approach 1:
The training process is segmented into two independent components: body motion training (performed by the athlete) and arm throwing execution (performed by the robot). This segmentation allows athletes to continue training their body mechanics, momentum generation, and rotational techniques without subjecting their arms to injury risk, enabling training continuation during recovery periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of throwing velocity parameters and repetition counts to match the athlete's recovery stage and training goals. The robotic system can precisely control release velocity and can be programmed to provide progressive overload training as the athlete recovers, optimizing rehabilitation while maintaining training benefits.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing training apparatus are designed for average-sized adult males, then they work for that demographic, but they are not adjustable for children or smaller adults
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic throwing device incorporates adjustable parameters including release velocity, repetition count, and positioning that can be dynamically modified for different user sizes and skill levels. The system can be programmed to adapt to children, smaller adults, or larger athletes, providing personalized training parameters while maintaining the same core device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an apparatus and a method for training a throwing technique. The apparatus includes an elongated member, a weighted element, and a flexible joining means. The apparatus may further include a placement means. The elongated member includes a lower end, an upper end, and a body portion. The weighted element has an attachment point, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The flexible joining means includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The flexible joining means has a predetermined length, is secured about upper end of elongated member, has second end that is secured at attachment point of weighted element, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The method includes the steps of: placing the apparatus, balancing on pitching leg, taking an extended stride or lunge toward target, and explosively rotating upper torso rotationally downward.