Dual-Acceleration Sensor Device with Switchable Operating Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for determining impact properties, such as striking acceleration and force, face challenges in achieving high measuring ranges while maintaining low power consumption and battery life, especially during extended use like a full day of competition.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a computing unit, a first acceleration sensor, and a second sensor (which can be another acceleration sensor or a pressure sensor) that switches to a higher power mode only when impact conditions are met, allowing for efficient measurement over a large range without constant high power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two acceleration sensors are used simultaneously to measure high acceleration values, then the measuring range is sufficient, but the power consumption becomes very high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasuring rangeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the operating mode of the second acceleration sensor variable rather than static. The sensor switches between a first operating mode (continuous measurement) and a second operating mode (intermittent measurement triggered only when acceleration exceeds a threshold). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve high measuring ranges when needed while minimizing power consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters of the second acceleration sensor based on the measured acceleration values. When acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold, the sensor switches to a second operating mode with different parameters (higher sampling rate, continuous measurement). When acceleration is within normal range, it operates in the first mode with lower power consumption parameters. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between measuring range and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If a battery with higher capacity is used to extend operating life, then the operating period increases, but the weight and volume of the device increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating lifeVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having the second acceleration sensor operate intermittently rather than continuously. The sensor switches to the second operating mode only during periods when high acceleration is detected (impact events), and returns to the first operating mode during normal periods. This periodic activation pattern extends battery operating life without requiring a larger battery, thereby avoiding increased weight and volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If a battery with higher capacity is used to extend operating period, then the device can be used longer, but the volume of the measuring unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating periodVSAvoidmeasuring unit volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action to extend the operating period of the measuring unit without increasing its volume. By configuring the second acceleration sensor to operate in two modes - a first mode with lower power consumption for extended duration and a second mode activated only during high acceleration events - the system achieves extended operating periods (several hours) while maintaining a compact measuring unit volume suitable for athletic footwear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution enables the device to record acceleration measurements over a wide range while significantly extending battery life, allowing for use over several hours without recharging, and reducing the device's weight and volume.

Implementation Method 1

a first acceleration sensor and a second sensor, which is e.g. a second acceleration sensor or a pressure sensor in a fluid-filled body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP4559394A1Device for determining a stroke characteristic with two acceleration sensors
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 RES IND SYST ENG RISE FORSCHUNGS ENTWICKLUNGS UND GROSSPROJEKTBERATUNG
  • EP4559394A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP4559394A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4559394A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to an energy-saving optimized device (1) for determining an impact property, in particular an impact acceleration, impact speed, impact force or impact technique, comprising a computing unit (4), a first acceleration sensor (2) and at least one second sensor, which is preferably either a second acceleration sensor (3) or a pressure sensor (300) in a fluid-filled body (200), wherein the computing unit (4) is connected to both the first acceleration sensor (2) and the second sensor, wherein the computing unit (4) and/or the second sensor is designed as a switchable component and can be switched from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, wherein the switchable component has a lower power requirement in the first operating mode than in the second operating mode, and wherein the first acceleration sensor (3) or the second sensor is designed toto switch the switchable component from the first operating mode to the second operating mode when the first acceleration sensor (2) or the second sensor delivers measured values ​​with a predetermined property.,