Compact Jump Height Sensor Using Time-of-Flight Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing performance measuring devices for vertical jump height are bulky and not easily transportable, making them impractical for users who travel for work, such as coaches and trainers.

Innovation Solution

A compact and lightweight performance measuring device comprising a detector, a microphone, and a microcontroller, which calculates jump height based on the difference in time between foot departure and landing, using a pressure sensor or proximity sensor for detection and a microphone attached to a landing mat for sound detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a pressure plate of significant mass and size is used for measuring vertical jump height, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device weight and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical jump height measurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pressure plate system with electronic sensors (force sensor and microphone) that have minimal mass. The force sensor detects foot departure and the microphone detects landing sound, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential detection functions from the traditional pressure plate system. Instead of using a complete pressure plate assembly, it uses separate lightweight sensors (force sensor for departure detection, microphone for landing detection) that can be positioned independently on the mat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If a tactile switch with slow response time is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to timing errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system simplicityVSAvoidtiming accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated system. The force sensor and microphone are combined with a microcontroller that processes both signals simultaneously, achieving fast response time while keeping the overall system compact and simple to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces slow-response mechanical tactile switches with electronic sensors (force sensor and microphone) that have response times under 5 msec. This substitution maintains system simplicity while dramatically improving timing accuracy for jump height measurement.

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

The device is significantly lighter and more accurate than previous systems, with a weight reduction from over 25 pounds to less than 2 pounds, and a reaction time improvement from over 10 msec to less than 5 msec, resulting in more precise vertical jump height measurements.

Implementation Method 1

The detector, typically a pressure sensor or a proximity sensor, is positionable on a surface such that is can detect feet of a user upon the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The microphone is configured to detect a sound of the feet of the user landing upon the landing mat and to communicate a second signal to the microcontroller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Implementation Method 3

The microcontroller is programmed to calculate a height of a jump based upon a difference in time between receipt of the first signal and receipt of the second signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12337211B2Jump height measuring device and method of use

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 MACKOVJAK PAUL V

AI summary

A jump height measuring device for measuring vertical jump height of a user includes a detector and a microphone, which are communicatively engaged to a microcontroller. The detector is positionable on a surface so it can detect feet of a user upon the surface and communicate a first signal to the microcontroller upon the feet leaving the surface. The microphone is attached to a landing mat, which is positionable on the surface proximate to the detector. The microphone detects a sound of the feet of the user landing upon the landing mat and communicates a second signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed to calculate a height of a jump based upon a difference in time between receipt of the first signal and receipt of the second signal. The device also can be used as a timer and to assess Explosive Leg Power Force and response time.