Glideboard Performance Analysis With Self-Powered Piezoelectric Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing performance analysis systems for sliding boards, such as snowboards and skis, require an additional power source like electrochemical batteries, which are inefficient and cumbersome due to size, weight, and cold resistance constraints, and are not suitable for intermittent use in varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system using a piezoelectric element to generate electrical energy from board deformations, powering an electronic circuit to estimate deformation phases and mechanical energy dissipation without a separate power source, and utilizing smartphone electromagnetic power for data transfer and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If an electrochemical battery is used to power the electronic circuit, then the circuit can be permanently powered, but the battery adds size, weight, and requires regular recharging which is incompatible with snowboard constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element harnesses the mechanical energy from the natural flexing and deformation of the snowboard during use to generate electrical energy. The system serves itself by converting the board's operational movements into power, eliminating the need for external battery power sources and their associated weight and maintenance issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrochemical battery system with a piezoelectric energy harvesting system. Instead of using chemical energy storage, the system uses mechanical deformation of the snowboard to directly generate electrical energy through the piezoelectric effect, substituting one energy conversion mechanism for another more suitable for this application.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If an electrochemical battery is used, then continuous power is available, but the battery has poor cold resistance and discharges quickly at temperatures near -20°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the temperature-sensitive electrochemical battery with a piezoelectric system that converts mechanical deformation directly into electrical energy. This mechanical-to-electrical conversion process is not affected by cold temperatures in the same way chemical reactions are, providing reliable power generation even at -20°C and below.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element generates power in periodic pulses corresponding to the rhythmic flexing and deformation of the snowboard during use. This periodic energy generation matches the operational cycles of the board, providing continuous power through accumulated pulses rather than requiring sustained chemical output.
3Measurement precision
If a piezoelectric sensor is used to measure deformations, then performance data can be collected, but an additional power source is required to power the electronic analysis circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element serves dual functions: it acts as both the sensor for detecting board deformations and the power source for energizing the electronic circuit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power source components, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensor and power source functions into a single piezoelectric component. Instead of having separate sensors and batteries, the system combines these roles into one element that both detects mechanical deformation and generates the electrical energy needed to power the analysis circuit.
4Ease of operation
If electrochemical batteries are used on snowboards, then electronic circuits can be powered, but the batteries have long periods of inactivity between seasons and must be replaced or recharged
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric system harvests energy from the snowboard's natural usage, generating power only when the board is being used. This eliminates the need for seasonal battery replacement or recharging, as the system automatically powers itself during active periods without requiring user intervention for maintenance.
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 performance analysis without batteries, providing stress time and power data, allowing comparison with reference performances and user classification, while adapting to board flexion and snow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor sensitive to the deformations of said sliding board, wherein said sensor is secured to said sliding board and comprises: at least one piezoelectric element secured to said sliding board and configured to generate electrical energy during deformations of said sliding board
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for analyzing the performance of a board (25) during use, comprising: - a database (202) storing reference performance values (Tref, Pref); - a sensor (100) sensitive to the deformations of said board; and - a monitoring device (204) comprising: - means for determining the performance values (Ts, Ps) based on measurements (M, T) of said sensor (100); and - means for comparing said performance values with said reference performance values; said sensor being attached to said board and comprising: - at least one piezoelectric element attached to said board and configured to generate electrical energy during deformations of said board; and - an electronic processing circuit, powered exclusively by said electrical energy generated by said at least one piezoelectric element.