Adjustable Laser-Sensor System for Swing Path Replication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing golf and sports training systems fail to effectively help users maintain proper swing mechanics outside of professional training sessions, as they lack a method to replicate and reinforce desired swing motions consistently.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable laser-sensor paired system that creates checkpoints of the desired swing motion, allowing users to practice and adjust their swing by emitting a laser beam and using a sensor device to detect and provide feedback on alignment and motion, with features like inertial measurement units for orientation and adjustable precision settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed configuration of lasers and sensors is used to track swing parameters, then measurement capability is provided, but the system cannot adapt to different swing paths or provide customizable training exercises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different swing pathsVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser device is made rotatable around the mounting device axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the laser beam orientation to match different swing paths. The housing can rotate 360 degrees around the laser axis, and the mounting device can rotate 360 degrees around the object axis, enabling the system to adapt to various swing configurations without requiring multiple fixed devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable mounting system allows a single laser-sensor pair to serve multiple functions by adjusting its orientation to track different swing paths, create multiple checkpoints along the same path, or monitor different parameters (trajectory, club face angle, speed) with the same hardware configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If professional training sessions are used to identify and correct swing mechanics, then accurate feedback is provided, but users cannot maintain proper form during independent practice

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswing mechanics feedback accuracyVSAvoidtime between training sessions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device provides real-time feedback by detecting when the laser beam crosses it during the swing, with LEDs indicating the checkpoint crossing. This immediate feedback loop allows users to self-correct their swing mechanics during independent practice, maintaining measurement precision without requiring continuous professional instruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Checkpoints are pre-configured at specific positions along the desired swing path during professional training sessions. These pre-established checkpoints serve as reference guides that users can independently reference during practice, preserving the accuracy of professional feedback over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If laser safety measures are implemented to prevent direct eye exposure, then safety is improved, but the usable orientation range of the laser is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser eye exposure riskVSAvoidlaser orientation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a dynamic cutoff angle parameter (set between 70-75 degrees from vertical) that automatically prevents laser operation in unsafe orientations. The controller monitors the laser orientation via IMU data and disables the laser when the beam angle exceeds the safe threshold, maintaining safety while allowing full operation within the safe angular range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to replicate and commit the desired swing form to muscle memory by providing real-time feedback and monitoring, reducing the occurrence of undesirable motions, thus improving training efficiency and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

a laser sensor for detecting the laser beam emitted from the laser device. The laser sensor preferably comprises a linear photodiode array which extends across the display and includes a plurality of photodiode cells configured to convert light to electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection and photoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11701563B1Adjustable laser and sensor paired system for replicating or creating a swing path

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 SWING MASON LLC

AI summary

An adjustable laser-sensor paired system for creating or replicating a desired swing form includes a laser device and a sensor device. The laser device has a laser which emits a laser beam and a mounting device which attaches the laser device to an object. The orientation of the laser is adjustable. The sensor device has an optical linear position sensor for detecting the laser beam of the laser device and a display with LEDs for providing feedback and user interface. With the system and method, one or more checkpoints for the form of a desired swing can be created at a selected point in the swing path, which may then be used as practice reference guides to check whether the user is correctly replicating the desired swing.