Sensor-Embedded Golf Ball for Spin Measurement and BLE Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball technologies struggle with accurate spin measurement and efficient localization, with RFID-based systems only providing approximate location and Doppler technology producing inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design incorporating an epoxy sphere with integrated electronic components, including stacked circuit boards, a magnetometer, and a BLUETOOTH Low Energy radio, which measures spin accurately and uses triangulation for precise localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID type circuitry is used for golf ball localization, then the golf ball can be detected by mobile devices, but the location accuracy is insufficient and only provides approximate position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the localization function into multiple components: RFID circuitry for initial detection, triangulation algorithm for position calculation, and magnetometer for orientation data. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while achieving overall high precision localization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary that receives signals from the golf ball and processes them through triangulation algorithms. The mobile device acts as a mediator between the golf ball's electronic components and the user, calculating precise position and orientation data that goes beyond simple RFID detection.
2Measurement precision
If Doppler technology is used for spin measurement, then the ball spin can be measured, but the results are inconsistent and have aliasing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces Doppler-based optical measurement with a magnetometer-based mechanical sensing system. The magnetometer detects magnetic field changes caused by the spinning ball, providing consistent spin rate measurements without the aliasing problems inherent in Doppler methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical frequency shifts (Doppler) to magnetic field variations. This parameter change fundamentally alters how spin is measured, enabling accurate measurement of high spin rates (up to 5000 RPM) while maintaining measurement consistency through the magnetometer's direct detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If electronic components are integrated into the golf ball, then precise measurement and communication capabilities are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple electronic components (RFID circuit board, magnetometer, battery) within the golf ball's existing structural layers. The circuit boards are positioned between the core and cover layers, nesting the electronics within the ball's anatomy rather than adding external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the electronic components to serve multiple functions: the RFID circuit board provides both detection and communication, the magnetometer enables both spin measurement and orientation data, and the battery powers all electronic operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing complexity while achieving precise measurement capabilities.
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
The design enables precise spin measurement up to 5000 RPM and efficient localization within a close radius, providing accurate data transfer to a mobile device using BLE radio.
Implementation Method 1
By placing a magnetometer in the ball, the exact spin values are recorded (up to 5000 RPM).
Implementation Method 2
efficient localization within a close radius, providing accurate data transfer to a mobile device using BLE radio.
Implementation Method 3
The body is composed of an epoxy material and encompasses the electronic component.
Implementation Method 4
The core layer is disposed on the epoxy sphere, and comprises a polybutadiene and a graphene material in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 weight percent of the outer core.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball comprising an electrical component is disclosed herein. The electrical component comprises an integrated circuit having a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a BLUETOOH low energy (BTLE) radio, and at least one battery. A body is composed of an epoxy material, and the body encompasses the electrical component.