Grip Force Sensor Layout for Precise Throwing Profile Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack comprehensive understanding of how to prevent injuries to the medial ulnar collateral ligament, particularly in throwing athletes, due to repetitive stress and fatigue, and there is a need for tools to assess and improve grip profiles to mitigate these risks.
Innovation Solution
A grip assessment device with sensor elements distributed across a grip surface, generating output signals for grip position and magnitude data, and a circuit to generate grip profile data, which can be used to analyze and improve grip techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor elements are distributed across the grip surface to measure grip profile, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip assessment device divides the grip surface into multiple discrete sensor elements distributed across the surface. Each sensor element independently measures force at its location, enabling precise mapping of grip pressure distribution. This segmentation allows comprehensive grip profile analysis while keeping individual sensor elements simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point force measurement to two-dimensional surface pressure mapping by distributing sensor elements across the grip surface. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive grip profile assessment, capturing spatial variations in pressure that a single sensor cannot detect, thereby significantly improving measurement precision.
2Loss of information
If sensor elements are embedded in the ball structure, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor elements are nested within the ball structure, with sensors positioned between the cover and support structure. This nesting approach allows the sensing system to be integrated into the ball without significantly altering the external appearance or basic structure, enabling comprehensive grip information capture while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through layered construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible film with sensor elements that can be conformally attached to the curved surface of the ball. This flexible film approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing the sensor array to be integrated during the ball assembly process, accommodating the spherical geometry while maintaining ease of production.
3Area of stationary object
If the flexible film covers the entire periphery with petal configuration, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible film is configured in a petal arrangement that conforms to the spherical periphery of the ball. This curved, radially-oriented configuration maximizes surface coverage while naturally adapting to the ball's geometry. The petal structure efficiently distributes sensors across the entire grip surface area without requiring complex three-dimensional positioning mechanisms.
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 device provides precise measurements of grip forces and techniques, enabling training and coaching tools for athletes, and aiding in injury prevention and biomechanical analysis.
Implementation Method 1
each respective sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements being configured to generate an output signal indicative of force applied to the grip surface at the respective sensor element
Data Source
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AI summary
A grip assessment device includes a support structure having a periphery, a cover positioned around the support structure and configured to define a grip surface, and a plurality of sensor elements disposed along the periphery of the support structure, each respective sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements being configured to generate an output signal indicative of force applied to the grip surface at the respective sensor element. The plurality of sensor elements are distributed across the grip surface such that the output signals from the plurality of sensor elements are collectively indicative of a grip profile along the grip surface, the grip profile providing grip position data and grip magnitude data correlated with the grip position data.