Wrist-Worn Heart Rate Monitor for Golfers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heart rate monitors for golfers require a chest strap for data transmission, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, and lack features for monitoring heart rate variability and calculating golf-specific performance metrics.

Innovation Solution

A wrist-worn device with a heart rate monitor, user input, processor, memory, and display that allows golfers to track heart rate, heart rate variability, and golf parameters, calculating statistics such as score and putts per hole, and providing feedback on autonomic nervous system balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a chest strap is used for heart rate monitoring, then heart rate data transmission is achieved, but user comfort and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheart rate data transmissionVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heart rate sensing function from the chest strap and relocates it to the wristwatch device itself. The watch incorporates a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor that directly measures heart rate through the wrist, eliminating the need for the chest strap transmitter while maintaining reliable heart rate data acquisition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wristwatch is designed to perform multiple functions: timekeeping, heart rate monitoring via PPG sensor, heart rate variability analysis, and golf performance tracking. This multi-functional integration allows the device to replace both the chest strap monitor and provide additional golf-specific features in a single wearable unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional heart rate monitors are used, then heart rate tracking is achieved, but golf-specific performance monitoring capabilities are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheart rate trackingVSAvoidgolf performance monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges heart rate monitoring technology with golf performance tracking systems into a single integrated device. The wristwatch combines PPG-based heart rate sensing, HRV analysis algorithms, and golf shot tracking capabilities, allowing simultaneous monitoring of physiological parameters and golf performance metrics without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wristwatch serves as an intermediary device that bridges physiological monitoring and golf performance analysis. It captures heart rate and HRV data, processes this information through algorithms that correlate physiological states with golf performance, and provides actionable feedback that links physical condition to shot outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If heart rate variability monitoring is added, then physiological analysis capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological analysis capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-service by automatically calculating heart rate variability metrics from the raw PPG data it collects. The integrated processor continuously analyzes the photoplethysmogram signal to derive HRV parameters without requiring external equipment or manual intervention, maintaining simplicity while providing advanced physiological analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or laboratory-based HRV measurement systems with optical PPG sensing and digital signal processing. The wristwatch uses light absorption measurements through the skin and applies algorithmic analysis to extract HRV metrics, substituting sophisticated mechanical measurement apparatus with compact optical-electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 improve their performance by providing real-time physiological feedback and golf performance analysis, enhancing their mental and emotional engagement during the game without the need for a chest strap, improving accuracy and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

The heart rate monitor, which is also connected to the processor, includes a plurality of sensors that that are exposed on the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmography:

Data Source

PatentUS8040758B1Golf watch having heart rate monitoring for improved golf game

Publication Date: 2011.10.18 BEIJING SHUNYUAN KAIHUA TECH LTD

AI summary

A wrist-worn apparatus for monitoring a user's performance while playing golf includes a user input, a processor, a heart rate monitor, a timer, a user input, a display, a processor and a memory for storing a plurality of inputted golf parameters that pertain to a round of golf. The apparatus obtains and displays the user's heart rate, providing feedback on the user's heart rate during a round of golf. In addition, the apparatus can store various inputted golf parameters and compute calculated statistics one or more rounds of golf.