Hockey Puck Additive for Goal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fast-moving sports like hockey, determining if a goal has been scored can be challenging due to visual limitations, such as occlusion by players or obstacles, and the frame rate limitations of video cameras.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating embedded additives, such as passive electronics or doping materials, into sports apparatus like hockey pucks to enable sensing technologies to accurately determine the puck's position relative to the goal line, using a substrate material with a recess to securely lock the additive in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If video cameras are used to determine goal scoring, then visual record of the event is obtained, but the measurement precision is limited by frame rate and viewing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical video camera system with an electromagnetic sensing system. Sensors detect the puck's position using magnetic fields or electronic signals from embedded additives, substituting the visual-mechanical detection method with an electromagnetic field-based method that provides more precise and reliable goal detection without frame rate limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing system between the puck and the goal detection process. Rather than directly observing the puck with cameras, sensors detect electromagnetic fields or signals from embedded additives in the puck, using this intermediary detection method to overcome the limitations of direct visual observation
2Measurement precision
If embedded additives are incorporated into the sports apparatus, then the measurement precision of position detection is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the additives during the molding process itself. The additives are placed in the mold cavity before the substrate material is injected, and the molding process automatically positions and secures them. This preliminary placement during manufacturing eliminates the need for separate precision embedding operations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining detection 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
Enhances the ability to reliably detect scoring events by providing accurate location information of the sports apparatus, independent of viewing angles and obstacles, through the use of sensors and magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
the doping material induces a specified magnetic moment within the sports apparatus, wherein the specified magnetic moment is adapted to be used for tracking location and orientation of the sports apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative examples of a sports apparatus and methods for manufacturing a sports apparatus for sensing a scoring event, including but not limited to hockey pucks. In some examples, the sports apparatus includes a body formed of a substrate material and an additive embedded in the substrate material. The additive may be used by a sensor array to locate the position of the sports apparatus in relation to a sports goal. Example additives include an electronic object or a doping material.