Fluid-Filled Force Sensor for Contact Sports Impact Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for assessing impact quality in contact sports are limited by measurement inaccuracies due to reliance on single sensors, such as acceleration sensors, which fail to account for force duration and are not robust enough for repeated impacts, and are often cumbersome and difficult to calibrate.
Innovation Solution
A device combining a fluid-filled, elastically deformable force sensor with an acceleration sensor, where the pressure sensor measures fluid pressure within a closed cavity, providing direct and unbiased force measurement, integrated with a microcontroller to record and transmit time series data for comprehensive impact analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single acceleration sensor is used to assess impact quality, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but measurement precision is insufficient because it fails to account for force duration and impact dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a force sensor (measuring impact force) and an acceleration sensor (measuring impact acceleration) into a single integrated measurement system. This merging of multiple sensor types enables comprehensive impact quality assessment by capturing both force magnitude and temporal dynamics, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures both impact force and acceleration, processes the signals through a microcontroller, and provides comprehensive impact evaluation. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate measurement systems, improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional pressure sensors with airtight chambers and throttle constrictions are used, then force measurement is possible, but measurement precision is reduced due to pressure wave distortions during transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure sensing function from the complex airtight chamber system with throttles and pressure transmission channels. By using a force sensor that directly measures impact force without requiring pressure wave transmission through complex structures, the design eliminates the source of pressure wave distortions while maintaining force measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microcontroller as an intermediary that directly interfaces with the force sensor and acceleration sensor. This intermediary processes the raw sensor signals and computes impact quality parameters, replacing the need for complex mechanical pressure transmission systems and their associated distortion problems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If calibration is performed on handheld striking pads or worn combat vests, then the device can be used in practical contact sports applications, but manufacturing precision becomes difficult due to varying compliances and moments of inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from requiring calibration of complex mechanical properties (compliance, moment of inertia) to directly measuring fundamental impact parameters (force and acceleration). This parameter change enables the device to maintain manufacturing precision while remaining adaptable to various handheld and wearable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal applicability across different contact sports equipment (boxing gloves, punching bags, combat vests) by using standardized force and acceleration sensors that do not require equipment-specific calibration. The microcontroller processes signals in a equipment-agnostic manner, maintaining precision across diverse applications.
4Measurement precision
If impact velocity is not taken into account in the measurement system, then the device is simpler, but measurement precision is reduced leading to errors in assessing punch effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges force measurement and acceleration measurement into a unified system where impact velocity is derived from the acceleration data. This combination allows comprehensive impact assessment including velocity effects without adding separate velocity sensing hardware, thereby improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
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
Enables precise, direct, and unadulterated assessment of impact quality, providing valuable feedback for training and allowing comparison with other athletes, while being robust and portable, with the ability to withstand repeated impacts without loss of measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor (3) measuring the fluid pressure is arranged inside the sensor body (1)
Implementation Method 2
an acceleration sensor (4) arranged inside the sensor body (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting the punch quality in contact sports, comprising at least one sensor for detecting a force acting on a training device and at least one sensor for detecting an acceleration of the training device, wherein the force sensor comprises a fluid-filled, elastically deformable sensor body, in which a pressure sensor measuring the fluid pressure is arranged.