Ball Movement State Measuring System Using Embedded Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball movement measurement systems, such as speed guns, are expensive and inadequate for amateur pitchers, failing to provide comprehensive data on ball speed, flight trajectory, and rotation direction during pitching practice.
Innovation Solution
A ball movement state measuring system incorporating a sensing module with acceleration and angular velocity sensors, a wireless communication module, and an induction coil for power supply, which calculates speed, rotation speed, rotation axis, and trajectory based on detected data and environment parameters, and includes a wireless charging base for convenient power replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a speed gun is used to measure pitching speed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical speed gun system with an electronic sensing system consisting of acceleration sensors and angular velocity sensors embedded in the ball. This substitution uses electronic measurement principles (acceleration integration) instead of traditional Doppler radar or optical methods, achieving comparable measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing cost and enabling amateur use.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensing modules are integrated into the ball, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions (acceleration detection and angular velocity detection) into a single integrated sensing module embedded within the ball. The acceleration sensor and angular velocity sensor are combined in one package, sharing common structural support and power supply, which reduces overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing module is designed with multi-functionality, where the same embedded system performs both linear acceleration measurement and rotational angular velocity measurement. The processor within the module handles multiple calculation tasks including speed derivation from acceleration, rotation speed from angular velocity, and trajectory reconstruction by combining both data types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication and power supply systems are added, then functionality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module operates periodically rather than continuously, transmitting data at predetermined intervals (e.g., after each pitch or at regular time intervals). This periodic transmission significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous communication, while still providing timely feedback for training purposes. The system can adjust transmission frequency based on activity detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional wired power supply with a wireless power transfer system using electromagnetic induction. An induction coil in the ball communicates with a charging base, enabling wireless recharging without physical connections. This substitution eliminates energy loss from wired connections and simplifies the power supply interface, reducing overall energy consumption while improving versatility.
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 accurate and cost-effective measurement of ball movement states, providing pitchers with valuable feedback on speed, rotation, and trajectory, enhancing their technique through detailed data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, the acceleration sensor being used for detecting an acceleration of the ball
Implementation Method 2
the angular velocity sensor being used for detecting an angular velocity of the ball
Implementation Method 3
an induction coil disposed between the cover and the accommodation element and electrically connected to the power supply
Data Source
AI summary
In a ball movement state measuring system with a ball, a sensing module, a wireless communication module, a power supply and an induction coil, the speed, rotation speed, rotation axis and trace of the ball at first movement state are calculated based on first accelerated speed and first angular velocity of the ball at first movement state and first movement result is obtained by the processor. The speed, rotation speed, rotation axis and trace of the ball at second movement state are calculated based on speed and rotation axis of the ball at first movement state, second accelerated speed and environment parameter of the ball at second movement state and second movement result is obtained by the processor. The ball is forced by gravity, applied force and air resistance at first movement state, and the ball is forced by gravity, air resistance and centripetal force at second movement state.