Finger Pressure Sensing Device for Sports Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sports equipment lacks a measure-based system to quantify player performance when using sports implements, particularly in terms of finger pressure, speed, and vector analysis, which are crucial for improving technique and understanding athletic performance.
Innovation Solution
Integration of finger pressure sensors, gyroscopes, rotameters, and accelerometers into sports implements like balls and bats to detect and record finger pressure, speed, and movement vectors, with data transmission via wireless connectivity to a web-based application for analysis and sharing among players.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If finger pressure sensors, gyroscopes, rotameters, and accelerometers are integrated into sports implements, then measurement precision of player performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions (finger pressure detection, gyroscope, rotameter, accelerometer) are integrated into a single sports implement device, combining multiple measurement capabilities into one unified system that captures comprehensive performance data without requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The sports implement is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously - detecting finger pressure, tracking rotational movement, measuring linear acceleration, and monitoring speed - making it a multi-functional performance analysis tool that serves various measurement needs through a single device
2Loss of information
If sensors are added to the sports implement, then information about player technique is improved, but weight of the implement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical measurement methods are replaced with electronic and optical sensing technologies (pressure sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers) that provide high-precision performance data with minimal added weight, enabling comprehensive technique analysis without significantly increasing implement mass
3Productivity
If real-time data transmission is implemented, then productivity of performance feedback is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Data transmission is implemented in periodic intervals rather than continuous streaming, allowing the device to transmit performance metrics at key moments (e.g., during or after athletic actions) while conserving battery energy during periods when data can be buffered locally
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
Provides a systemic and objective method for athletes to improve their technique by quantifying performance metrics, fostering a community for growth and learning through real-time data sharing and comparison.
Implementation Method 1
pressure mapping sensors to the inside skin of a sports implement
Implementation Method 2
movement detecting devices including gyroscopes, rotameters, and accelerometers
Implementation Method 3
movement detecting devices including gyroscopes, rotameters, and accelerometers
Data Source
AI summary
A sports performance sensor for an implement used in sports, such as a bat or baseball. The implement, e.g. the bat or baseball, is formed with an area inside that can include circuitry. The circuitry can measure rotation acceleration, and speed. The outer surface of this device has pressure sensing fabric, which senses location and pressure on the outer surface. This can form a pressure map of where the user's fingers are touching the outer surface. The information from the user's performance in using the device are transmitted to an external computer such as a phone which creates a pressure sensing map. This pressure sensing map can then be compared to data from either the same user at a different time or from other users. This can be specific to different actions, for example it can be specific to the user throwing a specific kind of pitch, or the user carrying out a specific operation such as swinging a bat to hit a specific kind of pitch.