04.7 - Conclusion & Future Work

Future Work

Although the current device meets its intended design goals, we recognize several opportunities for future improvement. One significant enhancement would be the addition of an automated ball feeding and reloading mechanism. Automating this process would greatly improve the user experience and enable the development of more advanced control programs capable of delivering pitches with varying speeds and trajectories, such as simulated curve-balls or off-speed pitches.

Another area for improvement is user interaction. At present, the system is controlled using a joystick. While effective, replacing or supplementing the joystick with a foot pedal would significantly improve usability by allowing the player to trigger pitches independently, without requiring another person to operate the device. Although practicing baseball with others is valuable, this feature would make solo training more convenient and accessible.

Additionally, incorporating buttons or adjustable knobs to control the pitching angle would further enhance the training experience. This added functionality would allow users to select different pitching modes and trajectories, increasing both the challenge and enjoyment of practice sessions while promoting skill development.

Conclusion

This project provided us with the opportunity to apply principles of mechanism design to a device with real-world applicability. Throughout the design and implementation process, we conducted kinematic analysis, developed detailed CAD models in SolidWorks, and gained hands-on experience with prototyping techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting. Equally important, the project strengthened our teamwork and communication skills as we collaborated effectively to solve design challenges and iterate on our ideas.

By the conclusion of this project, we are confident in our ability to apply the engineering principles learned in this course to future personal and professional projects. The final device successfully pitches a baseball at a moderate speed using a simple and efficient system consisting of a single DC motor, a servo motor, a joystick interface, and multiple 3D-printed components. Our design is intended for children transitioning from beginner-level baseball to a more advanced style of play, helping bridge the gap between tee ball and high-speed pitching machines. Knowing that our device can enrich young players’ learning experience with the sport is a source of great pride for our team.

Acknowledgments

We would like to sincerely thank our professor and teaching assistants for their guidance and support throughout this course. Their instruction and feedback played a crucial role in our learning experience and made this project both educational and enjoyable.