Assembly of stacked elements, inflatable bladder assembly and smart ball

Abstract

Assembly adapted to being secured to an inner surface of an inflatable bladder of a ball. The assembly comprises a stack of elements including a sensing unit, a battery and a wireless charging component. The assembly also comprises a flexible securing element adapted to being secured to the inner surface of the bladder. Various embodiments include the stack further comprising adhesive layers positioned between pairs of other elements of the stack, another adhesive layer being positioned between the stack and the flexible securing element, the assembly further comprising a reinforcement element having a shape adapted for receiving the stack thereinto and for being secured to the flexible securing element, the stack further comprising a cobalt shielding foil, the stack further comprises a damping foam. The flexible securing element of the assembly can be secured to the inner surface of the deflated bladder via an adhesive layer.

Description

ASSEMBLY OF STACKED ELEMENTS, INFLATABLE BLADDER ASSEMBLY AND SMART BALLTECHNICAL FIELD[oooi] The present disclosure relates to the field of digitalization of training for sports involving a ball. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an assembly of stacked elements, an inflatable bladder assembly and a smart ball.BACKGROUND

[0002] With the advances in miniaturization and processing capabilities of electronic components, it is now possible to design a smart ball comprising embedded electronic components. In particular, the smart ball comprises sensors adapted for measuring parameters representative of interactions of a user with the smart ball. For example, a soccer ball is equipped with sensors adapted for measuring a speed of the ball, an acceleration of the ball, a spin of the ball, etc. The data collected by the sensors of the smart soccer ball are used for monitoring and analyzing practice or training exercises performed by the user of the smart soccer ball. The smart ball is digitally integrated with other devices to implement a smart ball training system, aiming at improving various aspects of the soccer ball practice (e.g. accuracy, speed, impact, etc.). The smart ball training system generally includes at least one device providing a training user interface for interacting with the user of the system.

[0003] Up to now, the usage of smart balls and smart ball training systems is reserved for professional usage. For example, expensive analysis and coaching tools based on smart balls have been developed for improving the training and practice of professional soccer players.

[0004] Furthermore, the design and manufacturing of currently available professional smart balls makes them significantly more expensive thancorresponding traditional balls (without smart training capabilities). Consequently, a very large number of amateur players do not have access to affordable digitally based training solutions.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an assembly of stacked elements, an inflatable bladder assembly and a smart ball.SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to an assembly adapted to being secured to an inner surface of an inflatable bladder. The assembly comprises a stack of elements. The stack of elements comprises a sensing unit, a battery, and a wireless charging component. The assembly also comprises a flexible securing element adapted to being secured to the inner surface of the bladder.

[0007] In a particular aspect, the stack of elements further comprises adhesive layers. The adhesive layers are positioned between pairs of other elements of the stack.

[0008] In another particular aspect, the assembly further comprises an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is positioned between the stack of elements and the flexible securing element.

[0009] In still another particular aspect, the assembly further comprises a reinforcement element having a shape adapted for receiving the stack of elements thereinto and for being secured to the flexible securing element.

[0010] In yet another particular aspect, the reinforcement element is secured to the flexible securing element via an adhesive layer positioned therebetween.

[0011] In a particular aspect, the reinforcement element is a butyl patch.

[0012] In another particular aspect, the wireless charging component is a coil.

[0013] In still another particular aspect, the sensing unit is implemented by a Printed Circuit Board Assembly.

[0014] In yet another particular aspect, the sensing unit comprises at least one sensor, a processing unit, and a wireless communication interface.

[0015] In a particular aspect, the sensing unit, the battery, and the wireless charging component are in electrical connection.

[0016] In another particular aspect, the flexible securing element is a flexible butyl patch.

[0017] In still another particular aspect, the stack of elements further comprises a cobalt shielding foil.

[0018] In yet another particular aspect, the stack of elements further comprises a damping foam.

[0019] In a particular aspect, the sensing unit and the battery are inserted inside a slot of the damping foam.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to an inflatable bladder assembly comprising an inflatable bladder. The bladder is deflated. The inflatable bladder assembly also comprises a sub-assembly adapted to being secured to an inner surface of the bladder. The sub-assembly comprises a stack of elements and a flexible securing element. The stack of elements comprises a sensing unit, a battery, and a wireless charging component. The flexible securing element is adapted to being secured to the inner surface of the bladder.

[0021] In a particular aspect, the inflatable bladder assembly further comprises an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is positioned between the inner surface of the bladder and the flexible securing element of the subassembly.

[0022] In another particular aspect, the adhesive layer covers an opening in the bladder.

[0023] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a smart ball comprising an inflatable bladder. The bladder is inflated. The smart ball also comprises an assembly secured to an inner surface of the bladder. The assembly comprises a stack of elements and a flexible securing element. The stack of elements comprises a sensing unit, a battery, and a wireless charging component. The flexible securing element is adapted to being secured to the inner surface of the bladder.

[0024] In a particular aspect, the smart ball further comprises an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is positioned between the inner surface of the bladder and the flexible securing element of the assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the disclosure will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 represents a simplified sectional view of a ball with an internal bladder;

[0027] Figure 2 represents a monitoring platform adapted to be embedded in the ball;

[0028] Figures 3 and 4 represent a front view from two different angles of the bladder with components of the monitoring platform positioned thereon;

[0029] Figures 5 and 6 represent respective upper and bottom sides of a sensing unit and a wireless charging coil of the monitoring platform integrated to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB);

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of additional layers in the integration of the monitoring platform to the bladder;

[0031] Figures 8 and 9 represent a method for manufacturing a smartball;

[0032] Figures 10 and 11 represent a first implementation of an assembly of stacked elements;

[0033] Figures 12 and 13 represent a second implementation of an assembly of stacked elements;

[0034] Figures 14 and 15 represent a third implementation of an assembly of stacked elements;

[0035] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the integration of the assembly of stacked elements of Figures 10-15 to an inner surface of the bladder;

[0036] Figures 18 and 19 represent a fourth implementation of an assembly of stacked elements;

[0037] Figures 20 and 21 represent a fifth implementation of an assembly of stacked elements;

[0038] Figures 22 and 23 represent a sixth implementation of an assembly of stacked elements; and

[0039] Figures 24 and 25 illustrate the integration of the assembly of stacked elements of Figures 18-23 to an inner surface of the bladder;DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The foregoing and other features will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Various aspects of the present disclosure generally address one or more of the problems related to the digitalization of the user experience of a user interacting with a ball, by using a smart ball. More specifically, the present disclosure describes a design and components of a smart ball adapted to collect and transmit sensor data related to the ball. In particular, a description of theintegration of components of a monitoring platform (including one or more sensors generating the sensor data) to a bladder of the ball is provided.

[0042] Reference is now made to Figure 1, where Figure 1 represents a simplified sectional view of a ball 10. The ball 10 includes an internal bladder 20 and an outer shell 30, the bladder 20 being located inside the outer shell 30. The bladder 20 is inflatable / deflatable, and is represented as being inflated in Figure 1. Examples of balls 10 include a soccer ball, a basketball ball, a volleyball ball, an American football ball, etc. Other components of the ball 10 are not represented in Figure 1 for simplification purposes, since the design of the ball 10 is well known in the art.

[0043] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 1 and 2, whereFigure 2 represents a monitoring platform 100 adapted to be embedded in the ball 10. The terminology smart ball is used in the rest of the description, to indicate that the ball 10 embeds the monitoring platform 100. The monitoring platform 100 provides the capability to collect data and wirelessly transmit the collected data to a computing device (not represented in Figure 2 for simplification purposes).

[0044] The monitoring platform 100 comprises a battery 110, a sensing unit 120 and a wireless charging coil 130. The monitoring platform 100 also comprises an electrical connection 140 for electrically connecting the battery 110 to the sensing unit 120. The monitoring platform 100 further comprises an electrical connection 150 for electrically connecting the sensing unit 120 to the wireless charging coil 130.

[0045] The sensing unit 120 comprises at least one sensor for collecting data related to the smart ball 10. Examples of sensors include an inertial sensor, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an integrated sensor comprising a combination of some of the previously mentioned sensors, etc.

[0046] The sensing unit 120 also comprises a wireless communicationinterface and a processing unit. The processing unit collects the data generated by the sensors, optionally performs some pre-processing on the collected data, and controls the transfer of the collected data to a computing device via the wireless communication interface. Furthermore, configuration data (e.g. for the sensors) are generally also received via the wireless communication interface and processed / applied by the processing unit.

[0047] Exemplary implementations of the wireless communication interface include a Wi-Fi communication interface, a Bluetooth communication interface, a BLE communication interface, another type of short range wireless communication technology, etc.

[0048] Exemplary implementations of the processing unit include a microcontroller (comprising one or more processing cores capable of executing instructions of a computer program), one or more FPGAs, one or more ASICs, etc. The processing unit comprises its own memory, for example in the case of a microcontroller. Alternatively, memory is a standalone component of the sensing unit 120 not integrated to the processing unit.

[0049] In an alternative implementation, one or more sensor(s) of the sensor unit 120 have an integrated wireless communication interface, and do not rely on the previously described wireless communication interface for transmitting the collected data.

[0050] The aforementioned electronic sub-components of the sensing unit 120 are well known in the art and are not identified in Figure 2 for simplification purposes. More generally, the design and implementation of the sensing unit 120 is well known in the art. However, the sensing unit 120 needs to have a size and form factor adapted for being embedded in the smart ball 10, as will be detailed later in the description.

[0051] The battery 110 stores energy for electrically powering the electronic sub-components of the sensing unit 120 (e.g. the aforementioned one or more sensors, wireless communication interface, processing unit, memory,etc.). The energy is transmitted from the battery 110 to the sensing unit 120 via the electrical connection 140. The design and implementation of the battery 110 is well known in the art. However, the battery 110 needs to have a size and form factor adapted for being embedded in the smart ball 10, as will be detailed later in the description.

[0052] The wireless charging coil 130 is adapted for wireless electrical charging of the battery 110. In the charging phase, the wireless charging coil 130 is positioned in proximity to a charger (not represented in the Figures for simplification purposes) and electrical energy is wirelessly transmitted by the charger to the wireless charging coil 130, through electromagnetic induction. The design and implementation of the wireless charging coil 130 is well known in the art. However, the wireless charging coil 130 needs to have a size and form factor adapted for being embedded in the smart ball 10, as will be detailed later in the description.

[0053] The electrical energy received by the wireless charging coil 130 is transmitted by the wireless charging coil 130 to the sensing unit 110 via the electrical connection 150, and further transmitted by the sensing unit 110 to the battery 120 via the electrical connection 140.

[0054] Alternatively, another type of wireless charging component adapted for performing the wireless electrical charging of the battery 110 is used in place of (or in complementarity to) the wireless charging coil 130. For example, the wireless charging component relies on capacitive coupling through an electrical field.

[0055] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 and6, where Figures 3 and 4 represent a front view of the inflated bladder 20 from two different angles with components of the monitoring platform 100 positioned thereupon; while Figures 5 and 6 represent some of the components of the monitoring platform 100.

[0056] The bladder 20 comprises an outer surface 22 and an innersurface not visible in Figures 3-4 (the inner surface defines the inside 21 of the bladder 20 illustrated in Figure 1 ). The outer shell 30 is not represented in Figures 3-4 for simplification purposes.

[0057] Figures 3-4 further illustrate a positioning of the components of the monitoring platform 100 on the outer surface 22 of the inflated bladder 20. More specifically, the positioning on the outer surface 22 of the inflated bladder 20 of respectively the battery 110, the sensing unit 120, the wireless charging coil 130 (or any other type of wireless charging device), the electrical connection 140 and the electrical connection 150 is illustrated in Figures 3-4.

[0058] In the implementation illustrated in Figures 3-4, the battery 110 is positioned opposite to the sensing unit 120 on the bladder 20. A person skilled in the art will readily understand that other implementations with different positionings of the components of the monitoring platform 100 on the outer surface 22 of the inflated bladder 20 are also supported by the present disclosure.

[0059] Furthermore, in the implementation illustrated in Figures 3-4, the wireless charging coil 130 is secured to a valve 23 of the bladder 20. For example, the wireless charging coil 130 comprises a central area with a circular opening adapted for receiving the valve 23 therein, a diameter of the circular opening being adapted for securing the wireless charging coil 130 to the valve 23.

[0060] Figures 2, 5 and 6 illustrate an implementation of the electrical connection 140 electrically connecting the battery 110 to the sensing unit 120 by two cables. The two cables are positioned on the outer surface 22 of the inflated bladder 20 as schematically illustrated in Figures 3-4.

[0061] Figures 2, 5 and 6 illustrate an implementation of the electrical connection 150 electrically connecting the sensing unit 120 to the wireless charging coil 130 by a flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) connection. The flexible PCB connection is positioned on the outer surface 22 of the inflatedbladder 20 as schematically illustrated in Figures 3-4.

[0062] For example, the sensing unit 120 and the wireless charging coil130 are integrated to a flexible PCB comprising the flexible PCB connection 150.

[0063] Figure 5 represents an upper side of the flexible PCB, including an upper side of the sensing unit 120 with the electronic sub-components (e.g. the one or more sensors) thereon.

[0064] Figure 6 represents a bottom side of the flexible PCB, including a bottom side of the sensing unit 120, opposite the upper side, with no electronic sub-components thereon.

[0065] The sensing unit 120 is positioned on the outer surface 22 of the inflated bladder 20 so that the upper side of the sensing unit 120 (with the electronic sub-components) faces the inside 21 of the inflated bladder 20, as illustrated in Figure 3. This positioning aims at protecting the electronic subcomponents of the sensing unit 120 from shocks received by the smart ball 10 (e.g. kicks from a player).

[0066] The wireless charging coil 130 comprises at least one winding, as is well known in the art. Figure 5 represents an upper side of the wireless charging coil 130, and Figure 6 represents a bottom side of the wireless charging coil 130, opposite the upper side.

[0067] Optionally, a thin cobalt foil (not represented in the Figures) is applied on the upper side of the wireless charging coil 130. The cobalt foil is an optional component allowing more reliable energy transfer (in particular in case of integration of the wireless charging coil 130 deeper inside the smart ball 10). The wireless charging coil 130 is positioned on the outer surface 22 of the inflated bladder 20 so that the upper side of wireless charging coil 130 faces the inside 21 of the inflated bladder 20, the optional cobalt foil 132 being directly in contact with the bladder 20.

[0068] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, where Figure 7 is a schematic representation of additional layers usedfor the integration of the monitoring platform 100 to the bladder 20. The size and shape of the additional layers illustrated in Figure 7 is for illustration purposes only, and is not representative of their real size and shape.

[0069] A first layer of mesh 40 is positioned on the outer surface 22 of the bladder 20. The first layer of mesh 40 is secured to the outer surface 22 of the bladder 20 through appropriate means (e.g. glued).

[0070] The components of the monitoring platform 100 are positioned on the first layer of mesh 40. The components are secured to the first layer of mesh 40 through appropriate means (e.g. glued). Figure 7 represents the sensing unit 120 for illustration purposes. The positioning of the wireless charging coil 130 and the battery 110 on the first layer of mesh 40 is similar to the positioning of the sensing unit 120.

[0071] The first layer of mesh 40 extends over the entire outer surface22 of the bladder 20. The mesh is made of one of the following materials: polyester, nylon, etc.

[0072] If the first layer of mesh 40 is present, the first layer of mesh 40 is positioned between the outer surface 22 of the bladder 20 and the components of the monitoring platform 100. If the first layer of mesh 40 is not present, the components of the monitoring platform 100 are positioned directly on the outer surface 22 of the bladder 20.

[0073] Optionally, a second layer of mesh 50 is positioned above the components of the monitoring platform 100. When present, the second layer of mesh 50 increases the final roundness of the smart ball 10. As mentioned previously, the positioning of the second layer of mesh 50 with respect to the sensing unit 120 is represented in Figure 7 for illustration purposes. The positioning of the second layer of mesh 50 with respect to the wireless charging coil 130 and the battery 110 is similar to the positioning with respect to the sensing unit 120.

[0074] The second layer of mesh 50 also extends over the entire outersurface 22 of the bladder 20.

[0075] Figure 7 further represents a gap 31 between the second layer of mesh 50 and the outer shell 30. The gap 31 is generally filled with air. However, when the bladder 20 is inflated to its maximum inflation, the second layer of mesh 50 may be directly in contact with the outer shell 30.

[0076] Optionally, at least one of the battery 110, the sensing unit 120 and the wireless charging coil 130 is covered by a patch 60. The patch 60 is generally made of the same material as the bladder 20 (but can also be made of another material, such as butyl). In an exemplary implementation, the patch has a circular shape and is maintained in place without using glue. More specifically, if the patch 60 is present, the second layer of mesh 50 is positioned above the patch 60 and maintains the patch 60 in position. The patch 60 provides the following advantages: increased stability, humidity protection and mechanical stress reduction.

[0077] The outer shell 30 is generally made of an assembly of N panels, N being an integer. For example, for a soccer ball, the assembly typically comprises 32 panels having a combination of pentagonal and hexagonal shapes, as is well known in the art.

[0078] The sensing unit 120 is located below a predetermined panel among the N panels. Furthermore, a position and orientation of the sensing unit 120 with respect to the predetermined panel is also predetermined. This predetermined position and orientation of the sensing unit 120 aims at providing consistency in the measurements made by sensor(s) (e.g. inertial sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, etc.) integrated to the sensing unit 120.

[0079] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8 and 9, where Figures 8 and 9 represent a method 200 for manufacturing the smart ball 10. Each step of the method 200 may be performed by human being(s), machine(s) or a combination of human being(s) and machine(s).

[0080] The method 200 comprises the step 205 of applying the firstlayer of mesh 40 on the outer surface 22 of the bladder 20.

[0081] The method 200 comprises the optional step 210 of performing a first molding process. This molding process increases the final roundness of the smart ball 10.

[0082] The method 200 comprises the step 215 of performing a nozzle exchange process.

[0083] The method 200 comprises the step 220 of inflating the bladder20 to its maximum inflation. As mentioned previously, this step allows a reliable integration of the components of the monitoring platform 100 at step 225 (otherwise, some of the components may break after their integration at step 225).

[0084] The method 200 comprises the step 225 of applying the components of the monitoring platform 100 (the battery 110, the sensing unit 120, the wireless charging coil 130, the electrical connection 140 and the electrical connection 150) on the first layer of mesh 40. The positioning of the components on the blader 10 / first layer of mesh 40 has been described in detail in relation to Figures 3-4.

[0085] The method 200 comprises the step 230 of applying a patch on top of at least one of the components of the monitoring platform 100 (to protect the component(s), as mentioned previously).

[0086] The method 200 comprises the optional step 235 of applying the second layer of mesh 50 above the components of the monitoring platform 100. As mentioned previously, when present, the second layer of mesh 50 increases the final roundness of the smart ball 10.

[0087] The method 200 comprises the step 240 of deflating the bladder20.

[0088] The method 200 comprises the step 245 of inserting the bladder20 inside the outer shell 30 of the smart ball 10.

[0089] The method 200 comprises the step 250 of positioning and orienting the sensing unit 120 with respect to the predetermined panel of the outer shell 30.

[0090] The method 200 comprises the step 255 of fixing the bladder20.

[0091] The method 200 comprises the step 260 of closing and seeming the smart ball 10.

[0092] The method 200 comprises the step 265 of performing a final molding process. Operating parameters of this process are adapted to avoid damaging the battery 110 (e.g. the temperature, the duration and the pressure are lower than for a standard molding process of a ball).INFLATABLE BLADDER ASSEMBLY

[0093] An inflatable bladder assembly can be produced by only applying steps 205 to 240 of the method 200. By simply deflating the inflated bladder 20 illustrated in Figures 3-4, the inflatable bladder assembly is obtained. Additional components not represented in Figures 3-4 (e.g. first (40) and optionally second (50) layers of mesh, patch 60, etc.) are also integrated to the inflatable bladder assembly.

[0094] One advantage of the inflatable bladder assembly is that it occupies less space and is easier to transport than the smart ball 10. Thus, inflatable bladder assemblies can be produced at a first manufacturing facility, shipped to a second manufacturing facility, and used at the second manufacturing facility to assemble the smart ball 10 (by applying steps 245 to 265 of the method 200).INTEGRATION OF THE MONITORING PLATFORM INSIDE THE BLADDER

[0095] In the following, an alternative method for embedding the components of the monitoring platform in the ball 10 will be described. This method is based on the design and implementation of a stack of elements comprising the components of the monitoring platform.

[0096] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 10 and 11, where Figures 10 and 11 respectively represent an exploded front perspective view and a front perspective view of an assembly 300 comprising the components of the monitoring platform and other stacked elements.

[0097] The assembly 300 comprises the following components of the monitoring platform: the sensing unit 120, the battery 110 and the wireless charging coil 130. In an exemplary implementation, the sensing unit 120 is designed as a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), the battery 110 is a lithium battery, and the coil 130 is rigid.

[0098] The sensing unit 120, the battery 110 and the coil 130 are stacked upon one another, with intermediate adhesive layers 310 therebetween. The stack also comprises a cobalt shielding foil 340.

[0099] Figure 10 illustrates a configuration with a first adhesive layer310 positioned between the sensing unit 120 and the battery 110, a second adhesive layer 310 positioned between the battery 110 and the cobalt shielding foil 340, and a third adhesive layer 310 positioned between the cobalt shielding foil 340 and the coil 130.

[0100] The three adhesive layers 310 represented in Figure 10 have the same shape and dimensions. More specifically, the three adhesive layers 310 have the shape of a thin disc. The battery 110, the wireless charging coil 130 and the cobalt shielding foil 340 also have the shape of a thin disc. The sensing unit 120 has the shape of a thin cube with rounded angles. However, the shape and dimensions of the aforementioned elements may vary, as long as these elements are adapted for being stacked upon one another. In particular, the three adhesive layers 310 may have different thicknesses.

[0101] The first adhesive layer 310 has a first surface adhering to the sensing unit 120 and a second opposite surface adhering to the battery 110. The second adhesive layer 310 has a first surface adhering to the battery 110 and a second opposite surface adhering to the cobalt shielding foil 340. The thirdadhesive layer 310 has a first surface adhering to the cobalt shielding foil 340 and a second opposite surface adhering to the coil 130.

[0102] The cobalt shielding foil 340 is optional. If it is not present, a single adhesive layer 310 is positioned between the battery 110 and the coil 130.

[0103] The assembly 300 further comprises another adhesive layer 320 and a butyl patch 330. The adhesive layer 320 is positioned between the coil 130 and the butyl patch 330. The adhesive layer 320 has a first surface adhering to the coil 130 and a second opposite surface adhering to the butyl patch 330. The butyl patch 330 is adapted to be secured to an inside of the bladder of the smart ball, as will be detailed later in the description.

[0104] The adhesive layer 320 and the butyl patch 330 represented in Figure 10 have the same shape and substantially similar dimensions, more specifically the shape of a thin disc. However, the circumference of the butyl patch 330 is slightly larger than the circumference of the adhesive layer 320, as illustrated in Figure 11 . Furthermore, the circumferences of the butyl patch 330 and adhesive layer 320 are significantly larger than the circumferences of the other previously described stacked elements. As mentioned previously, the shape and dimensions of the adhesive layer 320 and the butyl patch 330 may vary, as long as these elements are adapted for being stacked with the other elements and secured inside the bladder of the smart ball.

[0105] The assembly 300 further comprises a reinforcement butyl patch 360 adapted for maintaining the stacked elements (120-310-110-310-340- 310-130) secured to the adhesive layer 320. The shape of the reinforcement butyl patch 360 is therefore adapted for receiving the stacked elements therein and for adhering to the adhesive layer 320.

[0106] Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the reinforcement butyl patch 360 in the form of a cross-shaped structure defining an internal cubic space, the structure comprising four branches defining the internal cubic space and converging to an upper surface of the internal cubicspace. The internal cubic space is adapted for receiving the stacked elements (120-310-110-310-340-310-130). The four branches are terminated by an elongated planar member adapted for adhering to the adhesive layer 320.

[0107] Figure 11 illustrates the stacked elements (120-310-110-310- 340-310-130) inserted inside the reinforcement butyl patch 360, the reinforcement butyl patch 360 adhering to the adhesive layer 320 and the the adhesive layer 320 adhering to the butyl patch 330.

[0108] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 10, 12 and 13, where Figures 12 and 13 respectively represent an exploded front perspective view and a front perspective view of another implementation of the assembly 300 comprising the components of the monitoring platform and other stacked elements.

[0109] The implementation of the assembly 300 illustrated in Figure 12 is similar to the one illustrated in Figure 10 except that the elements stacked inside the reinforcement butyl patch 360 comprise a flexible coil 131 instead of the rigid coil 130, and further comprise a damping foam 350. Thus, the stacked elements are stacked as follows: the sensing unit 120, a first adhesive layer 310, the battery 110, a second adhesive layer 310, the damping foam 350, a third adhesive layer 310, the cobalt shielding foil 340, a fourth adhesive layer 310, and the flexible coil 131. The height of the reinforcement butyl patch 360 is slightly higher than the one represented in Figure 10, since more stacked elements are received therein.

[0110] The shape and dimensions of the flexible coil 131 are similar to the shape and dimensions of the rigid coil 130. The damping foam 350 has the shape of a disc, thicker than the other elements in the stack. As mentioned previously, the shape and dimensions of the flexible coil 131 and the damping foam 350 may vary, as long as these elements are adapted for being stacked with the other elements and secured inside the bladder of the smart ball.[oom] Figure 13 illustrates the stacked elements (120-310-110-310-350-310-340-310-131 ) inserted inside the reinforcement butyl patch 360, the reinforcement butyl patch 360 adhering to the adhesive layer 320 and the the adhesive layer 320 adhering to the butyl patch 330.

[0112] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 12, 14 and 15, where Figures 14 and 15 respectively represent an exploded front perspective view and a front perspective view of still another implementation of the assembly 300 comprising the components of the monitoring platform and other stacked elements.

[0113] The implementation of the assembly 300 illustrated in Figure 14 comprises the same elements as the one illustrated in Figure 12, except that they are organized in a different manner.

[0114] The damping foam 350 comprises a slot adapted for receiving the sensing unit 120 and the battery 110. The sensing unit 120 is secured to the battery 110 via a first adhesive layer 310 positioned therebetween, and these three elements are inserted inside the slot of the damping foam 350. The first adhesive layer 310 has a first surface adhering to the sensing unit 120 and a second opposite surface adhering to the battery 110.

[0115] Figure 14 represents the slot of the damping foam 350 having a rectangular shape, the battery 110 having the shape of a thin cube, and the first adhesive layer 310 positioned between the battery 110 and battery 110 also having the shape of a thin cube. However, the shape and dimensions of the slot in the damping foam 350, the sensing unit 120, the battery 110 and the first adhesive layer 310 may vary, as long as they allow insertion of the sensing unit 120 secured to the battery 110 via the first adhesive layer 310 inside the slot of the damping foam 350.

[0116] The stacked elements are stacked as follows: the damping foam 350, a second adhesive layer 310, the cobalt shielding foil 340, a third adhesive layer 310, and the flexible coil 131.

[0117] Figure 15 illustrates the stacked elements (350-310-340-310-131) inserted inside the reinforcement butyl patch 360, the reinforcement butyl patch 360 adhering to the adhesive layer 320 and the the adhesive layer 320 adhering to the butyl patch 330.

[0118] The slot in the damping foam 350 extends downward from an upper surface of the damping foam 350 and is designed to be covered by the reinforcement butyl patch 360 when the stacked elements (350-310-340-310- 131) are inserted inside the reinforcement butyl patch 360. Thus, the sensing unit 120 and the battery 110, respectively adhering to the first adhesive layer 310, are maintained in position by the reinforcement butyl patch 360 when inserted inside the slot of the damping foam 350.

[0119] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 1, 16 and 17, where Figures 16 and 17 respectively represent a front perspective view of the assembly 300 and an inner surface 24 of the bladder 20 illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0120] Figure 17 represents a configuration where the assembly 300 is positioned on top of an opening 25 in the inner surface 24 of the bladder 20. The opening 25 is not the opening used for inflating the bladder 20, but another opening dedicated to the installation of the assembly 300 inside the bladder 20. The assembly 300 acts as a sealing of the opening 25 when the bladder 20 is inflated.

[0121] An adhesive layer 400 adheres (via a first surface) to the inner surface 24 of the bladder 20. The adhesive layer 400 is positioned on top of the opening 25 and comprises its own opening corresponding to the opening 25.

[0122] Figure 17 represents the opening 25 being circular, the adhesive layer 400 having the shape of a thin disc with a larger circumference than the opening 25, and the opening in the adhesive layer 400 being circular and matching the opening 25. However, the shape and dimensions of the opening 25, the adhesive layer 400 and the opening in the adhesive layer 400 may vary, as long as they allow securing the assembly 300 to the inner surface 24 of the bladder 20 via the adhesive layer 400.

[0123] The adhesive layer 400 adheres (via a second surface opposite the first surface) to the assembly 300, more specifically to the butyl patch 330 illustrated in Figures 11 , 13 and 15 (when the assembly 300 is secured to the inner surface 24 of the bladder 20, the butyl patch 330 adheres via a first surface to the adhesive layer 400 and via a second opposite surface to the adhesive layer 320).

[0124] Figure 16 represents another configuration where the assembly 300 does not cover the opening 25 and can be located at any position on the inner surface 24 of the bladder 20.

[0125] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 18 and 19, respectively representing an exploded front perspective view and a front perspective view of yet another implementation of the assembly 300 comprising the components of the monitoring platform and other stacked elements. The implementation illustrated in Figures 18 and 19 is similar to the implementation illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 , except for a reinforcement butyl patch 361 which has a different shape and dimensions than the reinforcement butyl patch 360 illustrated in Figures 10 and 11.

[0126] The reinforcement butyl patch 361 has a hollow cylindrical shape adapted for receiving the stacked elements (120-310-110-310-340-310- 130) and terminates with a planar elongated base adapted for adhering to the adhesive layer 320.

[0127] Figure 19 illustrates the reinforcement butyl patch 361 positioned on the butyl patch 330. The stacked elements (120-310-110-310- 340-310-130) inserted inside the reinforcement butyl patch 361 are not visible, since there is no opening in the portion of the reinforcement butyl patch 361 receiving the stacked elements. The adhesive layer 320 adhering via a first surface to the reinforcement butyl patch 361 and via a second opposite surface to the butyl patch 330 is also not visible, since the adhesive layer 320 is entirely covered by the reinforcement butyl patch 361 .

[0128] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 20 and 21, respectively representing an exploded front perspective view and a front perspective view of yet another implementation of the assembly 300 comprising the components of the monitoring platform and other stacked elements. The implementation illustrated in Figures 20 and 21 is similar to the implementation illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, except for the reinforcement butyl patch 361 which has a different shape and dimensions than the reinforcement butyl patch360 illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.

[0129] The reinforcement butyl patch 361 is similar to the one described in relation to Figures 18 and 19, having the hollow cylindrical shape adapted for receiving the stacked elements (120-310-110-310-350-310-340- 310-131). The height of the hollow cylindrical shape is slightly higher than the one represented in Figure 18, since more stacked elements are received therein.

[0130] Figure 21 illustrates the reinforcement butyl patch 361 positioned on the butyl patch 330. The stacked elements (120-310-110-310- 350-310-340-310-131) inserted inside the reinforcement butyl patch 361 are not visible, since there is no opening in the portion of the reinforcement butyl patch361 receiving the stacked elements. The adhesive layer 320 adhering via a first surface to the reinforcement butyl patch 361 and via a second opposite surface to the butyl patch 330 is also not visible, since the adhesive layer 320 is entirely covered by the reinforcement butyl patch 361 .

[0131] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 22 and 23, respectively representing an exploded front perspective view and a front perspective view of yet another implementation of the assembly 300 comprising the components of the monitoring platform and other stacked elements. The implementation illustrated in Figures 22 and 23 is similar to the implementation illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, except for the reinforcement butyl patch 361 which has a different shape and dimensions than the reinforcement butyl patch 360 illustrated in Figures 14 and 15.

[0132] The reinforcement butyl patch 361 is similar to the one described in relation to Figures 20 and 21 , having the hollow cylindrical shape adapted for receiving the stacked elements (350-310-340-310-131 ).

[0133] Figure 23 illustrates the reinforcement butyl patch 361 positioned on the butyl patch 330. The stacked elements (350-310-340-310- 131 ) inserted inside the reinforcement butyl patch 361 are not visible, since there is no opening in the portion of the reinforcement butyl patch 361 receiving the stacked elements. The adhesive layer 320 adhering via a first surface to the reinforcement butyl patch 361 and via a second opposite surface to the butyl patch 330 is also not visible, since the adhesive layer 320 is entirely covered by the reinforcement butyl patch 361 .

[0134] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 24 and 25, respectively representing a front perspective view of the assembly 300 and the inner surface 24 of the bladder 20. The implementation illustrated in Figures 24 and 25 is similar to the implementation illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, except for the assembly 300 having a different shape and dimensions than the assembly 300 illustrated in Figures 16 and 17. More specifically, the assembly 300 in Figures 24 and 25 comprises the reinforcement butyl patch 361 previously described in relation to Figures 18-23.

[0135] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 1 and 10-25. Following are general considerations applicable to all the previously described configurations and implementations, in relation to Figures 10-25.

[0136] The implementation of the assembly 300 is based on a stack of elements, comprising the sensing unit 120, the battery 110 and the coils 130 / 131. One or more additional electric or electronic elements may be included in the stack. Furthermore, one or more additional (non-electric and non-electronic) elements may be included in the stack, in addition to the elements previously described in relation to Figures 10-25. Additionally, at least one of the previously described elements may not be present in the stack, for example the cobalt shielding foil 340.

[0137] When referring to an adhesive layer, surfaces of the adhesive layer are self adhesive due a material composition of the adhesive layer being specifically adapted for this purpose. Alternatively, surfaces of the adhesive layer are not self adhesive. The surfaces need to be covered with an adhesive material, such as glue.

[0138] The stack of elements comprises the adhesive layers 310 positioned between pairs of other elements of the stack (e.g. between the sensing unit 120 and the battery 110, between the cobalt shielding foil 340 and the coil 130 (or 131 ), etc.). Other types of elements may be used in place of at least some of the adhesive layers 310, e.g. a non-adhesive element positioned between a pair of other elements of the stack to simply isolate the pair of other elements from one another.

[0139] The implementation of electrical connections between elements, such as the sensing unit 120, the battery 110 and the coils 130 / 131 , is out of the scope of the present disclosure; and therefore not illustrated in the Figures. The electric connections may be implemented via electric cables, flexible printed circuits (FPCs), flexible flat cables (FFCs), a combination thereof, etc. The layers between these elements, such as the adhesive layers 310, can be designed to allow passage of the electrical connections therethrough. Alternatively, the electrical connections are positioned outside of, and along, the stacked layers of elements.

[0140] The implementation of the assembly 300 is not limited to using the butyl patch 330. Any flexible securing element adapted to being secured to the inner surface 24 of the bladder 20 can be used in place of the butyl patch 330.

[0141] The implementation of the assembly 300 is not limited to using the reinforcement butyl patch 360. Any reinforcement element having a shape adapted for receiving the stack of elements thereinto and for being secured to the butyl patch 330 can be used in place of the reinforcement butyl patch 360.

[0142] Although the present disclosure has been described hereinabove by way of non-restrictive, illustrative embodiments thereof, these embodiments may be modified at will within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and nature of the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An assembly adapted to being secured to an inner surface of an inflatable bladder, the assembly comprising: a stack of elements comprising a sensing unit, a battery and a wireless charging component; and a flexible securing element adapted to being secured to the inner surface of the bladder.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the stack of elements further comprises adhesive layers positioned between pairs of other elements of the stack.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive layer positioned between the stack of elements and the flexible securing element.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcement element having a shape adapted for receiving the stack of elements thereinto and for being secured to the flexible securing element.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the reinforcement element is secured to the flexible securing element via an adhesive layer positioned therebetween.

6. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the reinforcement element is a butyl patch.

7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the wireless charging component is a coil.

8. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sensing unit is implemented by a Printed Circuit Board Assembly.

9. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sensing unit comprises at least one sensor, a processing unit and a wireless communication interface.

10. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sensing unit, the battery and the wireless charging component are in electrical connection.

11. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible securing element is a flexible butyl patch.

12. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the stack of elements further comprises a cobalt shielding foil.

13. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the stack of elements further comprises a damping foam.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the sensing unit and the battery are inserted inside a slot of the damping foam.

15. An inflatable bladder assembly comprising: an inflatable bladder, the bladder being deflated; and a sub-assembly adapted to being secured to an inner surface of the bladder, the sub-assembly comprising: a stack of elements comprising a sensing unit, a battery and a wireless charging component; and a flexible securing element adapted to being secured to the inner surface of the bladder.

16. The inflatable bladder assembly of claim 15, further comprising an adhesive layer positioned between the inner surface of the bladder and the flexible securing element of the sub-assembly.

17. The inflatable bladder assembly of claim 16, wherein the adhesive layer covers an opening in the bladder.

18. A smart ball comprising: an inflatable bladder, the bladder being inflated; andan assembly secured to an inner surface of the bladder, the assembly comprising: a stack of elements comprising a sensing unit, a battery and a wireless charging component; and a flexible securing element adapted to being secured to the inner surface of the bladder.

19. The smart ball of claim 18, further comprising an adhesive layer positioned between the inner surface of the bladder and the flexible securing element of the assembly.

Images