Golf Club RFID Impact Tracking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf tracking systems require game-interrupting input from golfers, disrupting their focus during a round and lacking in automatic tracking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising golf clubs with RFID components and GPS receivers that automatically track shots by transmitting signals upon impact, using a power management circuit to conserve battery life and store data for post-round analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic tracking is implemented using RFID and GPS components, then shot tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tracking components (RFID transponder, accelerometer, GPS receiver) into a single integrated device attached to the golf club. This merging approach enables automatic shot tracking through component collaboration while reducing the number of separate devices the golfer must carry and manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device performs multiple functions: detecting club swings via accelerometer, transmitting shot data via RFID, providing location information via GPS, and conserving power through intelligent circuit design. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into one universal tracking device.
2Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to RFID component, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit employs periodic action by using a shock switch that closes only during impact events to activate the RFID transponder. The capacitor charges continuously from the battery but only discharges to power the RFID component when needed, creating a periodic power supply pattern that ensures reliable signal transmission during shots while minimizing overall power consumption during non-shot periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is charged in advance from the battery during non-shot periods, storing energy before it is needed. This preliminary charging action ensures that when a shot occurs and the shock switch closes, the RFID transponder immediately receives sufficient power for reliable signal transmission without requiring continuous power supply from the battery.
3Use of energy by moving object
If shock switch is used to activate RFID component, then power consumption is reduced, but signal transmission timing precision is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The shock switch provides feedback based on the physical impact of the golf ball striking the club. This impact-generated feedback signal automatically triggers the RFID transponder activation, ensuring that signal transmission occurs precisely at the moment of impact without requiring external timing control or sacrificing timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the impact itself to activate the transmission. The shock switch converts the mechanical impact energy into an electrical signal that automatically powers the RFID transponder at the exact moment needed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate timing control systems while maintaining precise signal transmission timing correlated with the actual shot event.
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 golfers to play without interruptions, providing real-time data on shot performance and course insights, allowing for informed decision-making during the game and detailed analysis after the round.
Implementation Method 1
The impact of a golf club of the plurality of golf clubs closes the shock switch to provide an electrical current from the power source to the RFID component for transmission of a signal
Implementation Method 2
The power source comprises a battery, a resistor and a capacitor
Implementation Method 3
The RFID component comprises a RFID transponder and a processor
Implementation Method 4
A receiver for receiving the signal from the RFID component is also a part of the system. The receiver is a GPS unit and the receiver sores data for each shot by the golfer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to shot tracking. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for tracking shots of a golfer during a round of golf. One aspect of the present invention is a system for automatically tracking a golf club swung by a golfer. The system comprises a plurality of golf clubs. Each of the plurality of golf clubs comprises a device attached to a grip which is attached to a shaft which is attached to a golf club head. The device comprises a power source, a shock switch and a RFID component.