Sports Object Core Assembly With Nested PCB and Antenna Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking sports objects in motion are difficult to implement, expensive, and have limited application in various sporting environments, as they primarily focus on location tracking without providing comprehensive data on attributes like flight path, launch trajectory, speed, and spin rate.
Innovation Solution
A compact, multi-purpose tracking system incorporating a core assembly with a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) and antennas, enclosed within a sports object shell, which enables real-time monitoring and tracking of various attributes using GNSS, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and wireless communication protocols, while withstanding impact and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tracking system is incorporated into a sports object, then tracking capabilities and data collection are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The core assembly is nested within the sports object shell, with the PCB enveloping the energy storage device. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple components (antennas, sensors, battery, circuit board) into a compact integrated unit that fits within the sports object without adding external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into a single core assembly: the PCB integrates circuitry for multiple sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers), the energy storage device is combined with the circuit board structure, and antennas are integrated onto the PCB. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors and components are integrated into the core assembly, then comprehensive tracking data is improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The core assembly is pre-assembled with all components (PCB, sensors, energy storage device, antennas) integrated before insertion into the sports object shell. The PCB is configured to at least partially envelop the energy storage device, and antennas are pre-arranged on the PCB, creating a ready-to-install module that reduces final assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The core assembly is designed as a universal platform that can be adapted to different sports objects. The multi-layer PCB structure with integrated sensors, communication modules, and power management can track multiple attributes (position, speed, acceleration, orientation) across different sporting applications, reducing the need for application-specific manufacturing variations
3Reliability
If the core assembly is enclosed within the sports object shell, then durability and impact resistance are improved, but signal transmission quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sports object shell is designed to enclose the core assembly while maintaining signal transmission. The shell material and structure are selected to be sufficiently thin or sufficiently non-conductive at key locations to allow GNSS, radio frequency, and other wireless signals to pass through with minimal attenuation, while still providing mechanical protection and impact resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The core assembly is positioned asymmetrically within the shell or the shell has asymmetric signal transmission characteristics, with thinner or more transparent sections oriented toward signal sources (satellites, base stations). This asymmetric design optimizes signal reception and transmission paths while maintaining structural integrity and impact resistance in critical directions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tracking a sports object are provided. A sports object includes a core assembly arranged within a shell and having multiple components to receive and transmit signals corresponding to movement of the sports object, as well as to support operational tracking of the sports object. The core assembly includes a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) comprised of a plurality of sections. The PCB is configured to at least partially envelope the energy storage device at a geometric center of the assembly. The PCB is connected to one or more antennas (e.g., via one or more contacts), which may be arranged on one or more sections of the PCB, arranged on a surface of the shell, and/or in a volume within the shell.