Dual-Protocol Wireless Team Communication System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems for team sports pose safety risks due to high power devices and have limited range, and lack selective communication capabilities for team members.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system using a first wireless communication protocol for long-range transmission and a second protocol at lower power for short-range communication, with wearable audio devices allowing team members to hear ambient sounds and enabling selective message transmission through a group routing controller and stick trigger or epaulet speakers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If high power wireless devices are used for long-range communication, then communication range is improved, but safety risks increase for users particularly children

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system is divided into two distinct protocol layers: a first wireless communication protocol for long-range communication between coach and players, and a second low-power wireless communication protocol for short-range communication between players. This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized for its specific function, with the first protocol providing necessary long-range coverage and the second protocol ensuring safety through reduced power consumption and exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If low power wireless devices are used, then safety risks are reduced, but communication range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety risksVSAvoidcommunication range
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments communication functions into two protocol layers: the first wireless communication protocol handles long-range communication needs, while the second low-power wireless communication protocol handles short-range player-to-player communication. This allows low-power devices to be used safely for immediate team coordination while the higher-power first protocol provides necessary long-range coverage when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first wireless communication protocol acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the coach and players over long distances, while the second low-power protocol serves as an intermediary for direct player-to-player communication. This dual-protocol intermediary approach allows the system to achieve both long-range and short-range communication needs while minimizing safety risks through selective use of power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If players can communicate freely with each other, then team coordination is improved, but selective communication capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveteam coordinationVSAvoidselective communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system implements dynamic communication capabilities where players can selectively activate or deactivate communication with specific teammates or groups based on game situations. The system allows players to choose between broadcasting to all teammates or directing messages to specific individuals or groups, enabling adaptive communication strategies that enhance team coordination while maintaining selective control over who receives messages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11489951B2Wireless communication system for use by teams
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 BLACK BRUCE
  • US11489951B2 patent drawing
  • US11489951B2 patent drawing
  • US11489951B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless communication system comprises a first wireless communication device for a first team member, and a second wireless communication device for a second team member. The first wireless communication device comprises a microphone and a transmitter for transmitting an oral message via a first wireless communication protocol. The second wireless communication device comprises a main transceiver, a wearable audio device, and a support configured for mounting the main transceiver onto hockey shoulder pads of the second team member in a location physically remote from the wearable audio device.