Motion Analyzer for Sports Equipment Using Inverted Reference Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion analysis devices struggle to accurately track the motion of sports equipment when the user is dynamic, as they rely on fixed points of reference, making it difficult to recreate motion in sports like lacrosse or hockey where the stick is in motion relative to the user.
Innovation Solution
A motion analyzer with a base portion housing electronic components, including custom circuit boards with IMUs, microcontrollers, and a hollow channel for attachment to sports equipment, which collects and aggregates motion data and transmits it to a user device for performance feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed points of reference are used to track motion, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when the user moves around dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixing the reference point to the equipment and measuring the user's motion relative to it, the patent inverts the reference frame by attaching the sensor to the user's body. This allows the system to track the user's motion relative to a fixed world coordinate system, accurately capturing dynamic movements while maintaining measurement simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor is attached to the sports equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when the connection may disconnect during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference frame (the user's body) between the sensor and the sports equipment. By attaching the sensor to the user rather than directly to the equipment, the system achieves both ease of operation and reliable connection stability, as the sensor remains securely attached to the user throughout the activity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a unitary structure is used for base portion and upper portion, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity worsens due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base portion and upper portion into a single unitary structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly and ensuring precise structural alignment. This integration simplifies the overall device by reducing the number of components and assembly steps, while maintaining manufacturing precision through monolithic construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A motion analyzer for attachment to sports equipment. The motion analyzer may be constructed as one unitary piece and may include a base portion and an upper portion. The motion analyzer may collect and record motion data associated with movement of the sports equipment. The motion data may then be communicated to a mobile application which provides a user with a visual representation of the motion of the sports equipment. Further, a method of manufacturing a motion analyzer for attachment to sports equipment.