Capacitive Climbing Hold with Carbon Powder Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive detection systems for climbing holds have limited detection range and are not effective beyond a certain radius from the anchor point, leading to incomplete climber detection and potential degradation of the climbing experience due to metal fibers or high-density metal powders.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating carbon powder, such as high-structure carbon black or graphite, into the polymer matrix of climbing holds to create an antistatic network that enhances capacitive detection across a larger surface area without compromising mechanical strength, using a ratio of 5-35% carbon powder by weight, which ensures homogeneous mixing and effective electrostatic charge transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metal fibers or high-density metal powders are used to create conductive network in climbing hold, then capacitive detection capability is improved, but the mechanical strength and aesthetic appeal are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal fibers/powders to carbon powder with specific physical and chemical properties. Carbon powder has lower density than metals, preventing settling issues, and provides sufficient electrical conductivity when used at 5-35% weight ratio in the polymer matrix, thus maintaining detection capability while improving mechanical properties and aesthetics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining carbon powder with polymer matrix (polyester or polyurethane). This composite approach allows the carbon particles to form a conductive network within the polymer structure, achieving both electrical functionality for capacitive detection and mechanical integrity, while avoiding the drawbacks of pure metal conductors
2Measurement precision
If metal fibers or high-density metal powders are used to create conductive network, then capacitive detection is enhanced, but the visual appearance and tactile experience are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal fibers/powders to carbon powder with specific physical and chemical properties. Carbon powder has lower density than metals, preventing settling issues, and provides sufficient electrical conductivity when used at 5-35% weight ratio in the polymer matrix, thus maintaining detection capability while improving mechanical properties and aesthetics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses carbon powder, a inexpensive material that can be easily dispersed in the polymer matrix, replacing expensive metal conductors. The carbon particles remain embedded within the hold structure, invisible to the eye and undetectable to touch, thus preserving aesthetic appeal while providing the necessary conductive functionality
3Measurement precision
If conventional capacitive detection with anchor point is used, then detection at specific points is achieved, but the detection surface area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function from a single anchor point to a distributed network throughout the entire hold structure. By dispersing carbon particles throughout the polymer matrix, the conductive capability is divided into numerous small conductive pathways distributed across the surface, enabling detection at multiple locations simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based detection (0D anchor point) to surface-based detection (2D distributed network). The carbon particles distributed throughout the polymer matrix create conductive pathways across the entire surface area of the hold, expanding detection from a single point to a two-dimensional surface
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
The carbon powder improves capacitive detection over a larger surface area of the climbing hold, ensuring consistent and reliable detection of climbers without degrading the mechanical properties or aesthetic appeal, while maintaining the natural rock-like touch experience.
Implementation Method 1
the carbon powder improves capacitive detection over a larger surface area of the climbing hold, ensuring consistent and reliable detection of climbers without degrading the mechanical properties
Implementation Method 2
using a ratio of 5-35% carbon powder by weight, which ensures homogeneous mixing and effective electrostatic charge transmission
Implementation Method 3
Climbing holds are typically manufactured by pouring polyester or polyurethane resin into silicone molds... This allows for capacitive detection of a climber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a capacitive sensing climbing hold (20) comprising: - at least one polymer matrix (22); and - an anchor point (21) provided in said polymer matrix (22), said anchor point (21) being intended for attaching said climbing hold (20) to a climbing wall and for transmitting a capacitive contact to a capacitive sensing unit; - said polymer matrix (22) including a carbon powder (23) so that said carbon powder (23) represents between 5% and 35% of the weight of said polymer matrix (22), preferably between 10% and 35% of the weight of said polymer matrix (22), said carbon powder (23) being substantially evenly distributed in said polymer matrix (22).