Integrated Sensor Housing in Golf Shaft for Accurate Motion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion capture technologies for sports equipment, such as golf clubs, are not accurately integrated, leading to inaccurate motion tracking and require cumbersome setups that are not portable or adaptable, disrupting the natural feel and appearance of traditional sports apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A sport apparatus with an integrated sensor system that includes a sensor housing with embedded motion sensors, a microcontroller, and a power source, designed to be seamlessly integrated into the equipment without altering its weight or balance, using Bluetooth and GPS for data transmission, and allowing for customization and water resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motion capture technology is attached to sport apparatus, then motion tracking capability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to poor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is merged with the sport apparatus by integrating the sensor housing into the grip end of the shaft, combining motion capture functionality with the structural components of the sport apparatus to achieve both automation and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing is nested within the grip end of the shaft, with the enclosure residing inside the shaft structure, allowing the sensor system to be embedded within the sport apparatus rather than attached externally
2Extent of automation
If motion capture technology is attached to sport apparatus, then motion tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is merged with the sport apparatus during manufacturing, combining motion capture functionality with the structural components of the sport apparatus to eliminate separate setup requirements and reduce device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is pre-integrated into the sport apparatus during manufacturing before use, performing the integration action in advance so that no additional setup is required when the athlete uses the equipment
3Measurement precision
If sensor system is integrated into sport apparatus, then motion tracking accuracy is improved, but the natural feel and appearance of traditional sport apparatus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is placed locally at the grip end of the shaft where it does not interfere with the athlete's hold or the natural feel of the sport apparatus, allowing motion tracking accuracy to be improved while maintaining the natural feel through strategic positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing is nested within the grip end of the shaft, concealed within the existing structure of the sport apparatus, so that the integration is not visually apparent and does not alter the appearance or feel of the traditional sport apparatus
4Measurement precision
If sensor system is integrated into sport apparatus, then motion tracking accuracy is improved, but weight and balance of the sport apparatus change
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is placed locally at the grip end of the shaft in a position that minimizes impact on the overall weight distribution and balance of the sport apparatus, allowing motion tracking accuracy to be improved while maintaining original weight characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing is designed to be as lightweight as possible, and its position is selected to minimize the impact on the balance point of the sport apparatus, effectively counteracting the added weight through strategic placement
Data Source
AI summary
A sport apparatus comprising a shaft, wherein the shaft comprises a notch fitting and a sensor housing. The sensor housing comprises an alignment rib fitting, printed circuit board, rechargeable battery, one or more motion sensors, a transceiver, an inductive charging coil, among other necessary elements for the sport apparatus as described herein. A portion of the sensor housing resides within the shaft, wherein the alignment rib of the sensor housing mates with a notch or other locking mechanism of the shaft.