Removable Sensor Cover for Durable Connected Punching Bags
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connected punching bags are fragile, difficult to maintain, and expensive, with sensors prone to failure due to repeated impacts, and lack flexibility in sensor placement according to different striking disciplines.
Innovation Solution
A removable cover with flexible pressure sensors and an electronic control unit that fits over a traditional punching bag, allowing easy installation, maintenance, and customizable sensor placement, connected to an external system for real-time data analysis and training guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are integrated into the punching bag structure, then the punching bag can detect and analyze strike data, but the sensors become fragile and prone to failure due to repeated impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The punching bag is divided into modular sections with sensors placed in separate compartments or protective housings. This segmentation isolates the sensors from direct impact forces while maintaining their detection functionality, allowing the bag to withstand repeated strikes without damaging the sensing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary layer or protective mechanism is introduced between the impact surface and the sensors. This intermediary absorbs or distributes impact forces before they reach the sensors, protecting them from damage while still allowing accurate strike detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are placed inside the punching bag, then the bag can provide connected training functionality, but the punching bag becomes expensive and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into modular, independently replaceable units. If one sensor or module fails, only that specific module needs to be replaced rather than the entire punching bag, significantly reducing maintenance costs and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for easy replacement of damaged sensor modules with standardized components. Failed sensors can be quickly swapped out without requiring complex disassembly or specialized tools, making maintenance accessible and cost-effective.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are embedded within the bag structure, then the bag can detect strikes, but the sensor placement lacks flexibility for different striking disciplines
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor placement system is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Sensors can be repositioned along tracks or mounted on movable platforms within the bag, allowing the detection zones to be reconfigured for different striking disciplines such as boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts.
Solution Approach 2:
The punching bag incorporates a universal sensor platform that can accommodate various sensor types and placements for different combat sports. The same basic structure supports multiple configurations for detecting punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, making it versatile across disciplines.
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
Transforms a standard punching bag into a connected, durable, and affordable training tool that provides real-time data and interactive training assistance, suitable for various combat sports, with easy repair and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible pressure sensor, arranged in a flexible sheet, for detecting a blow applied to the punching bag
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Device intended to be fitted to a punching bag, comprising: a cover which can contain the punching bag and which is formed of two sheaths, an inner sheath and an outer sheath, placed on top of one another, and including means for releasably fastening same to the punching bag; a plurality of target elements (2) attached between the sheaths, each element comprising at least one pressure sensor electrically connected to an electronic control unit (3) which comprises means for receiving data from the pressure sensors and means for processing the data; and an external system comprising means for communicating with the electronic control unit, means for analysing the received data and means for recording, storing and outputting said data and analyses. The targets may comprise light emitters controlled by the external system. The invention also relates to a connected punching bag and an interactive assembly for assisting in combat sports training.