Golf Ball 3-Axis Magnetometer for Club Head Impact Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball technologies fail to accurately measure club-head impact location and spin rates due to inconsistent results from Doppler technology and the difficulty in integrating durable electronics within golf balls that maintain feel and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball equipped with a three-axis magnetometer detects impact location by measuring magnetic field changes caused by the club head's ferrous materials, using a reference magnet for calibration and data transfer via BLE radio to a mobile device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Doppler technology is used to measure spin rate, then spin measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent results and aliasing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces Doppler-based mechanical/optical measurement systems with a magnetometer system that uses magnetic field sensing. The magnetometer detects changes in magnetic field orientation caused by the rotating golf ball, converting the measurement approach from mechanical/optical to magnetic field-based detection, thereby eliminating aliasing issues and improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from Doppler frequency shift to magnetic field orientation angle. By measuring the angular orientation of the magnetic field vector relative to the ball's rotation axis, the system can accurately determine spin rate without the aliasing problems inherent in Doppler methods, achieving more precise measurements.
2Measurement precision
If electronics are integrated within a golf ball, then impact location measurement capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to concerns about ball durability and reproducibility of feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing the magnetometer and electronics only in the core region of the golf ball where they can effectively measure impact location through magnetic field changes, while keeping the outer cover and surface properties intact. This localized integration maintains the ball's durability and feel characteristics while enabling measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accepts that the electronic components and magnetometer are single-use elements that will be damaged during play, similar to how golf balls are traditionally replaced after a certain number of uses. This approach prioritizes the durability and feel of the ball itself while accepting that the measurement electronics are consumable, thereby maintaining reliability of the ball's physical properties.
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
Accurately measures club-head impact location and spin rates up to 5000 RPM, providing precise golf shot data without the need for expensive external devices and maintaining the ball's durability and feel.
Implementation Method 1
measuring magnetic field changes caused by the club head's ferrous materials
Implementation Method 2
A golf ball equipped with a three-axis magnetometer detects impact location by measuring magnetic field changes
Data Source
AI summary
A 3-axis magnetometer inside a golf ball to detect the impact location on golf club heads that contain ferrous materials is disclosed herein. Key aspects of a golf shot are determined from within the golf ball itself. A magnetometer, preferably running at 85 Hz, inside a golf ball is able to measure spins of 5000 RPM. An integrated circuit comprises a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a BLUETOOTH low energy (BTLE) radio, and at least one battery. A body is composed of an epoxy material, and the body encompasses the integrated circuit.