Project Background and Introduction

Our goal is to develop a functioning and repeatable mechanism that is able to replicate the motion of a ball when a pitcher throws a curveball. In order to have the same motion, we will need to impart both a linear velocity as well as an angular velocity on the ball as it leaves the mechanism. Our mechanism will throw a Wiffle ball as opposed to a baseball to reduce the forces required, as well as amplify the Magnus effect on the ball. We will achieve our desired output using only one actuator. Some of the main challenges we initially saw were combining several different components: the slider crank, throwing arm, spindle wire, and trip wire without causing interference with each other. The use of a spindle will allow for the presence of the angular motion that a pitcher imparts on the ball with a snap of his wrist. Additionally we needed to use a trip wire as a release mechanism to get the ball to be released from the throwing arm.

Project Goals:

• Clearly able to see the motion of the ball
• Repeatable
• Smooth, uninterrupted motion

http://twistedphysics.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c9c1053ef014e875312d6970d-pi