Golf Club Shaft Embedded Sensor for Swing Speed Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods lack a systematic approach to measure the motion of a golf club's shaft during a golfer's swing, which affects the ball's flight path and distance, and there is a need for a method to predict swing speed effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising golf clubs with embedded devices, including accelerometers, radiofrequency transceivers, and GPS, that monitor the golfer's swing, determining impact time and transition time to calculate swing speed, and track each shot's location, club type, and distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If embedded devices with accelerometers and transceivers are installed in golf clubs, then swing motion measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensors (accelerometers) and wireless communication (radiofrequency transceivers). The accelerometer captures swing motion data electronically, and the transceiver wirelessly transmits this data to a receiver, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and optical systems while achieving high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded device performs multiple functions within a single integrated unit: the accelerometer measures swing motion, the radiofrequency transceiver transmits data wirelessly, and the microprocessor processes and manages power distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement and communication devices, managing complexity through consolidation.
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of swing data is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic sampling of swing data rather than continuous monitoring. The microprocessor activates the accelerometer and transceiver at specific intervals during the swing motion, capturing critical data points (addressing, impact, follow-through) while allowing the system to enter low-power states between measurements. This periodic operation maintains measurement precision for key swing parameters while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor intelligently manages power distribution by activating components only when needed based on detected swing phases. The system automatically determines when to wake the accelerometer and when to transmit data, optimizing power usage without requiring external power management intervention. This self-managed power distribution extends battery life while maintaining data accuracy.
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 prediction of swing speed and tracking of golf shots, providing detailed data on clubhead motion and ball flight, enhancing golf performance analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the golf club comprises a device comprising an accelerometer and a radiofrequency transceiver
Implementation Method 2
transmitting data for the golfer's swing to a receiver for analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method for analyzing a golfer's swing speed, wherein the method comprises determining that the golfer is addressing a golf ball to swing a golf club, monitoring a backswing, determining a transition time, monitoring a downswing, determining an impact time, transmitting data for the golfer's swing to a receiver for analysis and generating a golfer's swing speed using a length of a shaft of the golf club. A device is positioned or built within a grip of the golf club.