Multi-Axis Pivot Sensor for Tetherball Motion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tetherball and similar games' apparatuses lack the capability to accurately measure multi-axis motion of strikable objects, leading to limited data collection and less effective gameplay or training.
Innovation Solution
A game apparatus featuring a multi-axis pivot member with a sensor arrangement that measures multi-axis movement, allowing for improved detection and measurement of the strikable object's motion, including acceleration, velocity, and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-axis sensor arrangement is used in traditional tetherball apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the measurement precision and capability to detect multi-axis motion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-axis motion detection to multi-axis motion detection by implementing a pivot member that can rotate about multiple axes (at least two axes). This dimensional expansion allows the sensor arrangement to capture comprehensive motion data including horizontal rotation, vertical rotation, and potentially other degrees of freedom, thereby significantly improving measurement precision without requiring completely separate sensing systems for each axis
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mechanical connection point for the tether and the rotational sensor mechanism. By integrating the sensing capability directly into the pivot member structure, the device achieves multi-functionality where a single component handles both structural support and multi-axis motion detection, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
2Loss of information
If a multi-axis pivot member with sensor arrangement is implemented, then the measurement precision and data collection capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-axis motion detection capability that captures comprehensive spatial information about the strikable object's motion. By detecting rotation about multiple axes simultaneously, the system eliminates information loss regarding the object's three-dimensional movement trajectory, spin characteristics, and angular velocity components that would be invisible to single-axis sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot member inherently provides the sensing function through its multi-axis rotational capability. The mechanical structure of the pivot member itself serves as the measurement mechanism, eliminating the need for separate, complex sensor assemblies. The pivot member's natural degrees of freedom are directly utilized for measurement purposes, reducing overall system complexity while maximizing data collection capability
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a game apparatus including a housing, a motion measurement arrangement and a flexible tether. The motion measurement arrangement is at least partially located within the housing and includes a multi-axis pivot member movable relative to the housing in at least two axes. The motion measurement arrangement also includes a sensor arrangement for measuring multi-axis movement of the pivot member. The flexible tether has a free end coupled to a strikable object and a proximal end coupled to the pivot member. The motion measurement arrangement is configured to measure an indication of one or more parameters of the strikable object's motion upon striking of the strikable object by a user.