Ball Glove Impact Detection with LED Annunciation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional baseball and softball gloves lack interactive features that can enhance player engagement and entertainment value, as they do not react to or announce specific events during the game.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an impact detection sensor and annunciation circuitry within the glove, utilizing super-bright light-emitting diodes in a translucent lens to visually indicate when a ball is caught, providing a luminary signal visible from both the front and rear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ball gloves are used, then the glove provides basic protection and catching functionality, but the glove lacks interactive features and entertainment value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (impact sensor, light-emitting diodes, battery, circuit board) into an integrated electronic module that is embedded within the glove structure. This merging approach enables interactive capabilities while consolidating complexity into a single manageable unit rather than adding separate discrete components throughout the glove.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic module serves multiple functions: it detects ball impacts through the sensor, processes the impact data through the circuit board, provides visual feedback through LEDs, and maintains power through the battery. This multi-functionality within a single integrated module addresses the need for interactivity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Loss of information
If impact detection and annunciation circuitry are added to the glove, then ball catches can be visually confirmed and player engagement increases, but the glove structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The translucent lens acts as an intermediary element that allows the electronic components (LEDs and circuit board) to be embedded within the glove structure while still providing visible light output. This intermediary component enables impact confirmation functionality without requiring external or surface-mounted electronics that would increase structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic module is nested within the glove structure, with the circuit board and LEDs positioned behind the translucent lens in the web portion. This nesting arrangement allows the electronic components to be integrated into the existing glove anatomy rather than adding external attachments, thereby minimizing structural complexity while maintaining functionality.
3Ease of operation
If light-emitting diodes are mounted in the web portion with translucent lens, then impact annunciation is visible from both front and rear, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module is designed as a segmented, modular unit with distinct components (sensor, circuit board, LEDs, battery) that can be assembled in a standardized sequence. The translucent lens is positioned as a separate element that can be attached to the web portion before or after electronic component installation, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to integrated monolithic designs.
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
Enhances player and spectator experience by visually confirming ball catches with a light show, increasing game interest and entertainment value, especially for younger players.
Implementation Method 1
Impact detection circuitry, comprising an acceleration sensor, is affixed within the palm of the glove to detect the impact of a ball caught in the glove
Implementation Method 2
A series of light-emitting diodes mounted in the web of the ball glove may be sequentially activated to provide a luminary indication that a ball has been caught
Data Source
AI summary
A ball glove includes impact detection and annunciation circuitry for detecting an impact event, such as contact of a caught ball with the glove. Upon detection of an impact, annunciation circuitry provides a visible light signal, such as flashing a sequence of lights located in the web portion of the glove. An associated method of use is also provided.