Portable Athletic Training Device with Ball Detection Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current athletic training devices and systems are expensive, difficult to access, and lack holistic, connected training solutions, failing to effectively track progress or address comprehensive training needs such as form, repetitions, dribbling, strength, and shooting in basketball training.
Innovation Solution
An athletic training device comprising a chassis with a sensor to detect the presence of a ball and a display device, including light-emitting diodes, that provides real-time feedback and tracking capabilities, integrated with a user interface for personalized training and social media-style competition, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy technology for connectivity with smartphones and tablets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted on players, facilities, and balls to generate statistics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from complex multi-component systems and concentrates it in a single portable device. Instead of mounting sensors on players, facilities, and balls separately, the invention uses one device with integrated sensors (proximity sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope) that can detect ball presence, motion, and position independently, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The portable training device performs multiple functions within a single unit: it detects ball presence via proximity sensor, tracks motion via accelerometer and gyroscope, provides visual feedback through LED display, and communicates progress through user interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each training aspect, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive tracking and system simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized equipment and apps are used for specific drills, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to support multiple basketball drills (dribbling, shooting, ball handling) using the same hardware platform. The sensor suite and programmable microcontroller can be configured for different drill types, providing adaptability without requiring separate specialized equipment for each drill, thus maintaining versatility while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The training device incorporates dynamic capabilities through programmable drill sequences and adjustable parameters. The microcontroller can be programmed with different drill protocols that adapt to various skill levels and training objectives, allowing the same physical device to dynamically change its training function rather than requiring static specialized equipment for each drill type
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 affordable, accessible, and holistic athletic training by providing real-time feedback, progress tracking, and personalized workouts, addressing the limitations of existing systems by integrating ball detection, display, and connectivity for comprehensive training across various drills and sports.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor including a proximity sensor, the sensor being configured to sense presence of a ball on the portion of the chassis
Implementation Method 2
a display device including a plurality of light-emitting diodes, the display device being responsive to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include athletic training devices and systems. In a non-limiting embodiment, an athletic training device includes: a chassis, a portion of the chassis being configured to receive a ball thereon; a sensor configured to sense presence of a ball on the portion of the chassis; and a display device responsive to the sensor.