Golf Club Sensor Power Management via Dynamic Gyroscope Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf club sensors face challenges in power management due to high power consumption by gyroscopes and limited space for batteries, and struggle to accurately detect the start and impact of a golf swing amidst various movements and potential false positives.
Innovation Solution
A golf club sensor system with a processor and inertial measurement unit (IMU) that adjusts power consumption based on movement states, using accelerometers and gyroscopes efficiently, and employs specific criteria to detect the rational golf club address position and impact events, including linear acceleration and angular rate data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gyroscopes are used continuously for accurate swing detection, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the gyroscope based on detected movement. The accelerometer continuously monitors for movement, and when movement is detected, the gyroscope transitions from a low-power state to an active state for accurate angular rate measurement. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain measurement precision when needed while minimizing power consumption during static periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sampling with variable rates. The accelerometer operates continuously at a base sampling rate to monitor for movement, and upon detecting movement, triggers the gyroscope to operate at a higher sampling rate for a specific duration to capture the swing event. This periodic action pattern ensures accurate capture of transient swing movements while avoiding continuous high-power operation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to support continuous sensor operation, then duration of action is improved, but volume of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sampling with variable rates to extend battery life without requiring larger capacity. The accelerometer operates continuously at a low base rate, and the gyroscope operates at high rate only during detected swing events. This intermittent high-power operation significantly reduces average power consumption, allowing standard battery sizes to achieve extended operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption based on operational state. During static periods, only the low-power accelerometer operates. During swing events, the system transitions to higher power consumption for accurate measurement. This dynamic power management allows the system to achieve long duration of action with standard battery capacities and club head volumes.
3Measurement precision
If sampling rate is increased for accurate impact detection, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements variable sampling rates based on operational state. The accelerometer operates continuously at a base sampling rate (e.g., 50 Hz) for movement detection. When movement is detected, the gyroscope transitions to a higher sampling rate (e.g., 200 Hz or 400 Hz) for a limited duration to capture the swing and impact events with high precision. After the event, the system returns to the lower sampling rate, significantly reducing average power consumption while maintaining high measurement precision during critical measurement periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the sampling rate of the gyroscope based on detected movement state. The sampling rate transitions from a low base rate to a high rate during swing events, and back to low rate afterward. This dynamic adjustment ensures high measurement precision for impact detection when needed while minimizing energy consumption during non-event periods.
4Reliability
If sensor operates in high power mode continuously, then reliability of detection is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational mode based on detected state. The accelerometer continuously monitors for movement, and when movement is detected, the system transitions to a high-reliability detection mode with the gyroscope operating at full capability. During static periods, the system operates in a low-power mode with the gyroscope inactive or in low-power state. This dynamic operation maintains high detection reliability during swing events while minimizing energy loss during non-event periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic high-power operation only when swing events are detected. The accelerometer continuously monitors and triggers high-power gyroscope operation periodically only when movement occurs. This periodic high-power operation ensures reliable detection of all swing events while minimizing overall energy loss compared to continuous high-power operation.
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
The system effectively manages power consumption, accurately detects the start and impact of a golf swing, and reduces false positives, enhancing user experience and data transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer capable of measuring linear accelerations in a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis
Implementation Method 2
a gyroscope capable of measuring an angular rate of rotation about the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis
Data Source
AI summary
A golf club having a sensor that is removably connected at one or more positions of the golf club where the sensor comprises an inertial measurement unit including an accelerometer capable of measuring linear accelerations in three orthogonal axes and a gyroscope capable of measuring an angular rate of rotation around the same axes. The sensor may further comprise a processor which may perform instructions to detect the impact of the golf club with a golf ball and determine the start of the golf swing without any additional input from the user. The sensor may further have a power management system to extend the life of the power source.