How to Control Speed of One Wheel in a Table Tennis Ball Serving Machine?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and functionality of a table tennis ball serving machine, specifically focusing on how to control the speed of one of the spinning rotors to achieve various spins on the ball. The scope includes design considerations, functionality, and potential control mechanisms for the motors involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is designing a table tennis ball serving machine using two spinning rotors and seeks a method to automatically adjust the speed of one rotor.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of different speeds for the rotors unless the intent is to impart various spins to the ball.
  • The original poster confirms that varying spins is indeed the goal, as it enhances functionality without complicating the design with a pivot mechanism.
  • A later reply suggests a resource on adjustable speed drives as a potential solution for controlling motor speeds.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of controlling rotor speeds, with some advocating for the functionality of varying spins while others question its importance. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to achieve the desired control.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the design's requirements and the specific mechanisms for speed control that have not been fully explored or defined.

Cowzer
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For my leaving cert project (Ireland) I have to build a table tennis ball serving machine. I'm settling on a design that uses two spinning rotors to fire the ball out as it passes between them, but I'm wondering is there any way to automatically adjust the speed going to one of the rotors (each one will have a different motor)?

Design is like this

http://www.blackwatersports.net/blackwatersportsb2b/images/b2b_Titan.jpg

Is there any way to control the speed of one of the wheels?

Cheers
 
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Is the intent to impart various spins to the ball? If not, I see no reason to have different speeds on the two rotors.
 
Yeah various spins is the intent as that will increase it's functionality without sacrificing design like a having it on a pivot would make it a bit "clumsy" nearly. There's marks for functionality and design along with other stuff. Is there a way to do it? If not I have a nice way for pivotting it I might use
 

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