Innovative Pitching Machine
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Course: MAE 451: Design Process and Methods
Semester: Summer 2015 - Spring 2016 (Ongoing) Group Size: 5 Description This project originated in the UB Design Club, where the idea was pitched by a professor. The problem is that current pitching machines for baseball and softball on the market do a poor job of simulating a real pitcher. In fact that don't simulate an actual pitcher at all. One of the major skills required to be a good hitter is developing the proper swing timing, relative the the pitchers motion. All modern pitching machines do not allow batters to work on this essential timing technique needed to be a successful batter. So the goal of this project is to develop a pitching machine that better simulates an actual pitcher. I immediately took an interest in the project and joined the team. The project took off in the beginning of Summer 2015. I worked on the project individually throughout the Summer and had periodic virtual meetings with the Professor involved. He acted as an advisor and guided me through the design process. By the end of the summer, I was able to complete the customer requirements. I created and distributed a survey to baseball coaches in my local little league, which provided invaluable feedback. The next step will be moving towards the conceptual design stage. This project has now morphed into my official Senior design project where the goal is to produce a working prototype by the end of Spring 2016. Update to come soon... |
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