Magnetic Field Sensor System for Sporting Device Motion Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring motion properties like speed, spin rate, and accuracy of sporting devices are expensive, inaccurate for slow-moving targets, prone to false target acquisition, and require external operators, limiting their use in solo practice and versatility across different sports.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing magnetic field sensors and a control module to measure the motion properties of sporting devices by analyzing changes in a magnetic field generated by a magnetized unit embedded or attached to the object, allowing for accurate speed, spin rate, and accuracy calculations without external power or sensors on the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Doppler radar systems are used to measure speed, then speed measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases and other motion properties cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electromagnetic Doppler radar system with a simpler magnetic field sensing system. A magnetized unit attached to the sporting device creates magnetic field changes that are detected by magnetic sensors, providing speed and spin rate measurements through mechanical motion-induced field variations rather than electromagnetic wave analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetized unit as an intermediary between the sporting device and the measurement system. This magnetized unit serves as a mediator that converts the kinetic motion of the device into detectable magnetic field signals, enabling the measurement of multiple motion properties through a single intermediate component.
2Measurement precision
If Doppler radar systems are used, then speed can be measured, but false target acquisition occurs and slow moving targets cannot be accurately measured
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensors provide continuous feedback on the position and motion of the magnetized unit attached to the sporting device. This feedback mechanism ensures that only the intended target (the magnetized unit moving with the device) is measured, eliminating false target acquisition since the magnetic field changes are directly coupled to the device's motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetized unit acts as a dedicated intermediary that is physically attached to or integrated with the sporting device, creating a one-to-one correspondence between the device's motion and the magnetic field signals. This eliminates ambiguity in target identification that plagues radar systems measuring multiple objects simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If external operators are required to operate measurement systems, then measurements can be taken, but solo practice is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed to be self-operating with the magnetized unit attached to the sporting device itself. The device becomes self-measuring, automatically providing feedback on its own motion properties without requiring external operators. Athletes can independently monitor their performance during solo practice sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetized unit serves as an intermediary that enables the sporting device to measure itself. By attaching the magnetized unit to the device, the system creates a self-contained measurement loop where the device's own motion generates the measurement signals, eliminating the need for external operators.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are embedded within the moving object, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the object's physical characteristics and flight performance are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetized unit serves as an external intermediary that attaches to the sporting device without becoming part of its core structure. This external attachment provides measurement capability while maintaining the device's original physical characteristics, as the magnetized unit can be positioned on the surface or in non-critical areas that do not affect flight dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into a separate magnetized unit that can be attached to or removed from the sporting device. This segmentation allows the measurement function to be added without permanently altering the device's composition, enabling easy attachment and removal while maintaining the device's original flight characteristics.
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 accurate, portable, and inexpensive measurement of motion properties, suitable for various sports, allowing athletes to practice alone and improving their skills by providing real-time data on speed, spin rate, and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetized unit is provided which generates a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
magnetic field sensors and a control module to measure the motion properties of sporting devices by analyzing changes in a magnetic field generated by a magnetized unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring motion properties of a movable object, such as a sporting device, wherein the movable object has an embedded magnetized unit creating a magnetic field. A measurement device, having a first magnetic field sensor positioned a known distance away from a second magnetic field sensor, is positioned in the vicinity of the movable object's trajectory, whereby the first and second magnetic field sensors output signals when the movable object passes within their respective proximities. A control module, that is responsive to the output signals created by the magnetic field sensors, is configured to record the times of output signal events. The control module is further configured to calculate motion properties, such as the speed and rate of spin, of the movable object based upon the recorded times of various sensor output events and the known distance between the first and second magnetic field sensors.