Magnetic Flag Attachment System for Consistent Force and Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flag football equipment faces issues with inconsistent and unpredictable attachment force of flags to belts, particularly in wet conditions, and relies on human referees for accurate location determination, which is prone to error and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of adjustable magnetic attachment systems for flags and belts, equipped with sensors to detect detachment and automatically determine the location of flag detachment, providing precise and reliable attachment force and location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If friction or suction based attachment means are used for flags to belts, then the attachment method is simple and inexpensive, but the attachment force becomes inconsistent and degrades in wet conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based and suction-based mechanical attachment systems with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic connector uses magnetic attraction forces to hold the flag to the belt, providing consistent attachment force that is not affected by moisture. This substitution of mechanical attachment with magnetic field-based attachment resolves the reliability issue while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Ease of manufacture
If hook and loop fasteners are used to attach flags to belts, then the attachment method is easy to implement, but the attachment force varies unpredictably over time due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hook and loop fasteners with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic connector provides consistent attachment force over time because magnetic strength does not degrade with use in the same way mechanical fasteners do. The magnetic field maintains its strength throughout the service life of the equipment, eliminating the unpredictable variation in attachment force that occurs with wear of hook and loop materials.
3Device complexity
If human referees visually estimate flag detachment location, then no additional equipment is needed, but the determination is prone to human error and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the flag connector automatically detects and communicates its own detachment location to officials. The sensor in the magnetic connector detects when the flag separates from the belt and transmits location data, eliminating the need for human referees to visually estimate the position. This self-reporting mechanism provides precise location determination without adding significant complexity to the game equipment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic components are used to provide adjustable attachment force, then the attachment force can be precisely adjusted for different leagues and age groups, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustability by allowing changes in magnetic field strength parameters. Different magnetic component configurations can be used to provide different attachment forces suitable for different leagues and age groups. The system can be adjusted by changing the magnetic component specification or configuration, providing versatile adaptability while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple through standardized connector designs.
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 solution ensures consistent and adjustable magnetic attachment force, reducing wear and tear, and enables accurate, quick, and efficient location determination, eliminating human error and improving gameplay safety and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic attachment force exerted between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein may provide an adjustable magnetic attachment force for flag football and for determining a location in flag football. In some embodiments, a system comprises a flag and a wearable item, wherein the flag and the wearable item are configured such that a magnetic attachment force exerted between a first connector and a second connector attaches the flag to the wearable item. In some embodiments, a set comprises one or more flags and one or more wearable items, wherein an adjustable magnetic attachment force attaching the flags and wearable items is adjusted by replacing one or more magnetic components. In some embodiments, a system comprising a flag and a wearable item is configured to detect that contact between a first connector and a second connector has been broken and to automatically indicate a location associated with the contact being broken.