Flat Force Sensor for Racquet Handle Grip Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports equipment handle force-measuring devices are complex to install, expensive, and limited in their ability to provide real-time feedback on holding force, leading to potential arm injuries like tennis elbow due to incorrect grip techniques.
Innovation Solution
A grip for sports equipment with integrated force-measuring sensors and an electronic evaluation unit that measures individual finger forces, providing real-time optical and acoustic feedback and storing data for analysis, allowing for optimal grip training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a force-measuring device is integrated into the handle of a standard tennis racket, then the ability to measure grip force is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple force sensors into a single integrated unit that can be attached to the handle without splitting it. The force measuring device includes a housing with multiple force sensors arranged to detect forces from individual fingers, merging the measurement function with a simplified structural attachment system that avoids complex internal integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The force measuring device is segmented into modular components: a housing unit, multiple individual force sensors, and an evaluation unit. This segmentation allows the device to be assembled from separate parts rather than requiring complex integration into the handle structure, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If a force-measuring device with multiple springs and sensors is installed, then the measurement capability is improved, but the assembly difficulty and requirement for specialized expertise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring mechanism and sensors into an integrated force sensor unit that functions as a single measurable component. This eliminates the need for separate assembly of numerous springs and sensors, reducing the skill level required for assembly while maintaining accurate force measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The force measuring device is designed to be self-contained with pre-assembled sensor units that require minimal assembly. The evaluation unit automatically processes the signals from the force sensors without requiring manual calibration or adjustment, reducing the need for specialized expertise during assembly and operation.
3Speed
If an acoustic signal is used to indicate limit value exceedance, then the immediate feedback is improved, but the ability to detect long-term changes in holding force is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual feedback system: immediate acoustic feedback when limit values are exceeded, and continuous data collection that stores force measurement values over time. The evaluation unit processes both immediate signals and historical data, providing feedback that reflects both instantaneous and long-term force patterns, eliminating information loss about gradual changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensors continuously measure and the evaluation unit continuously processes force data without interruption. This continuous monitoring captures long-term changes in holding force patterns, while the system maintains the ability to provide immediate acoustic alerts when thresholds are breached, ensuring both continuous information gathering and rapid response capabilities.
4Reliability
If the force-measuring device is designed for permanent installation in the handle, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the adaptability and ease of removal decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The force measuring device is designed as a separate, modular unit that attaches to the handle through a standardized interface rather than being permanently integrated. This segmentation allows the device to be easily installed and removed while maintaining measurement reliability through secure attachment mechanisms that ensure stable sensor positioning during use.
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
Enables improved striking technique by providing real-time feedback and data analysis, reducing the risk of arm injuries by optimizing grip force and technique, and allowing for easy installation and removal without requiring specialized expertise.
Implementation Method 1
the force measuring device has several flat force sensors. Measuring sensors are positioned in such a way that the corresponding fingers of the player's hand come to rest on the individual sensors when gripping the sports equipment normally
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a handle (4) for a piece of sport equipment, particularly for a tennis, squash, racquetball, table tennis, or badminton racquet, or golf club. The handle has a force measurement device (11) attached thereto, which is suitable for measuring a force acting on the handle applied by the hand of a player surrounding said handle. The handle further comprises an electronic analysis unit (16) that is electrically connected to the force measurement device. The force measurement device comprises at least one force sensor (12) with a flat design that is attached to the handle such that the force transferred from the player's hand can be measured by the force sensor.