Golf Ball Integrated Circuit for Internal Shot Parameter Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball technologies lack the ability to measure key shot parameters like spin, launch angle, and ball speed from within the ball itself, relying on external devices like Trackman or GC Quad, which are expensive, and face challenges in durability and feel replication when integrating electronics.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring an epoxy sphere with stacked circuit boards, a magnetometer, and a flexible circuit board wrapped around batteries, allowing for internal measurement and data transmission via BLE radio to a mobile device, using triangulation for precise ball location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external measurement devices like Trackman or GC Quad are used to measure shot parameters, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is extracted from external devices and placed inside the golf ball itself. The patent embeds sensors, circuit boards, and electronic components within the ball's core structure, allowing the ball to independently measure spin, launch angle, and ball speed without requiring external measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple measurement functions are merged into a single integrated system within the golf ball. The patent combines spin sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and communication modules into one unified electronic assembly that fits within the ball's core, eliminating the need for multiple separate external devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronics are integrated within the golf ball, then measurement capability is improved, but ball durability and feel reproduction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components are nested within the ball's existing structural layers. The circuit boards and sensors are positioned within the core, surrounded by wound core layers and mantle layers that provide mechanical protection. This nested arrangement allows the electronics to be shielded by the ball's natural structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures to protect the electronics. Multiple layers including wound core layers, mantle layers, and cover layers are combined to create a protective envelope around the electronic components while maintaining the ball's traditional feel and performance characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If RFID circuitry is used for ball identification, then ball location tracking is improved, but measurement precision of shot parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic system performs multiple functions simultaneously. The same sensor assembly that measures spin and shot parameters also enables ball location tracking through integrated communication modules. The system universally handles both identification and detailed measurement tasks without requiring separate RFID hardware.
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 accurate measurement and recording of spin up to 5000 RPM and other shot parameters directly from the golf ball, eliminating the need for external devices and ensuring durability and feel similarity to traditional balls.
Implementation Method 1
By placing a magnetometer in the ball, the exact spin values are recorded (up to 5000 RPM).
Implementation Method 2
data transmission via BLE radio to a mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball comprising an integrated circuit is disclosed herein. The integrated circuit comprises a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a BLUETOOH low energy (BTLE) radio, and at least one battery. A body is composed of an epoxy material, and the body encompasses the integrated circuit. A wound core layer is disposed over the body.