Molded Hockey Puck Transmitter Core for Real-Time Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The poor visibility of the hockey puck during high-speed play on ice rinks hampers television viewing, making it difficult to track the puck's movement and determine scores accurately, as standard pucks appear as small dots on screens due to the need for distant camera placement.
Innovation Solution
A hockey puck design incorporating an internal signal transmitter, encapsulated within two molded subcomponents, which emits electromagnetic signals, such as infrared light, to enable real-time position tracking, maintaining the puck's physical characteristics and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cameras are located far from the ice rink to view all areas, then the entire ice surface can be captured, but the hockey puck appears as a small dot and becomes difficult to track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electromagnetic signal transmitters (such as infrared LEDs) embedded in the puck that emit light in specific wavelengths. These signals cause the puck to appear highlighted or visible against the ice background, effectively changing its detectability without altering its physical appearance. The transmitter emits signals that can be detected by cameras, making the puck stand out clearly on television screens regardless of distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic signal transmitters as an intermediary between the puck and the camera system. These transmitters generate electromagnetic signals (infrared, visible light, or other wavelengths) that serve as a mediator to convey the puck's position and movement information to the camera and subsequent display systems, enabling clear visualization without requiring the puck itself to be large or highly reflective.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If electromagnetic transmitters are added to the puck, then real-time position tracking is enabled, but the puck's physical performance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the puck into two separate molded subcomponents that are sealed together, with the electromagnetic transmitter embedded in one of the subcomponents. This segmentation allows the transmitter to be integrated without compromising the puck's overall structural integrity or performance characteristics. The separate molding process enables precise placement of the transmitter while maintaining the puck's standard dimensions and physical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the physical parameters of the transmitter and its integration into the puck. The transmitter is designed with specific power consumption and emission characteristics that minimize its impact on the puck's mass, size, and bounce properties. By adjusting the transmitter's operational parameters (such as pulse width modulation) and physical dimensions, the system achieves effective signaling while maintaining puck performance within acceptable tolerances.
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 puck visibility on television by allowing real-time tracking and highlighting, improving viewer experience and score detection accuracy without affecting the puck's feel or performance.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnetic signal may be infrared (IR) light emitted by a plurality of diodes mounted in openings in the subcomponents
Implementation Method 2
the puck may be formed of a material that allows electromagnetic radiation to be emitted through the subcomponents
Data Source
AI summary
A hockey puck is disclosed including an internal signal transmitter enabling instantaneous identification of its position as it moves around. The puck includes two molded subcomponents, which encapsulate the signal transmitter. The signal transmitter includes driver electronics and a number of signal transmitters which together generate and emit an electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal is emitted by a plurality of diodes mounted in light pipes enclosed within cavities in the subcomponents that extend to outer surfaces of the hockey puck components. The puck includes two subcomponents that are attached via complimentary sets of concentrically arranged wedges.