Sports Ball Valve Plate With UWB Tracking and Flight Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking sports balls, such as rugby balls, lack accuracy and consistency, especially in indoor environments, and affect the ball's flight characteristics, making it difficult to provide valuable insights for player training and real-time virtual displays during games.
Innovation Solution
A transmitting system comprising a plate with a valve, circuit board, and battery, designed to be inserted into an inflatable sports ball, utilizing ultra-wideband technology for precise location tracking without altering the ball's characteristics, along with a weight balancing arrangement to maintain consistent flight, and an electrical connection port for data transmission and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS systems are used to track the ball, then location monitoring is provided, but accuracy and consistency are reduced especially in indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning with a ground-based radio frequency tracking system using multiple fixed receivers. This substitution eliminates dependence on satellite signals that fail indoors, providing consistent and accurate tracking in all environments including indoor facilities.
2Loss of information
If tracking devices are installed in the ball, then location data can be collected, but the ball's flight characteristics are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, flexible plate as the mounting structure for the tracking device. This thin-film approach minimizes the added mass and structural rigidity that would otherwise alter the ball's natural flight characteristics, while still providing a stable platform for the electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the mass, center of gravity, and moment of inertia parameters of the tracking device to match the ball's existing parameters. By adjusting these physical parameters, the device minimizes interference with the ball's flight dynamics while maintaining accurate tracking capability.
3Strength
If a plate structure is used to house the transmitter and battery, then components are protected, but the plate's edges may extrude from the ball's curved surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the plate with a curved surface that conforms to the ball's spherical geometry. This curvature allows the plate to follow the ball's surface contour, preventing edge extrusion while maintaining structural integrity and component protection.
4Strength
If the plate is made rigid to protect components, then durability is improved, but flexibility to accommodate ball inflation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic plate design that can change its mechanical properties. The plate maintains rigidity when installed to protect components, but can be flexed or deformed during installation and inflation processes. The curved geometry and material selection allow temporary deformation without compromising long-term structural integrity.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An apparatus for insertion into an inflatable sports ball, the apparatus comprising a plate comprising a valve wherein the valve comprises an aperture for selective communication of air, a circuit board comprising a transmitter and a battery electrically connected to the circuit board.