Sensor-Embedded Tackling Dummy for Impact Data Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaches in American football can only visually observe a few tackling performance parameters, limiting their ability to assess and improve players' tackling skills effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tackling dummy with embedded sensors and electronics that measure and analyze tackling performance parameters such as approach direction, speed of impact, force of impact, location of impact, and post-impact wrap-up, providing real-time feedback and data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If coaches visually observe tackling performance, then they can monitor player technique, but they can only assess a limited number of parameters and cannot obtain comprehensive performance data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual assessment system with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Sensors embedded in the tackling dummy detect impact forces, locations, and other performance parameters, automatically converting physical tackling actions into digital data that can be comprehensively analyzed without relying on coach observation limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and electronics as intermediary devices between the player's tackling action and the coach's assessment. These intermediaries capture comprehensive performance data including impact force, location, and angle, then transmit this information to the coach, enabling assessment of parameters that would be impossible to evaluate through visual observation alone.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are embedded in the tackling dummy, then comprehensive tackling parameters can be measured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor system with multi-functionality, where a single integrated electronics unit processes multiple sensor inputs (force sensors, location sensors, angle sensors) and generates comprehensive performance metrics. This universal approach allows one electronic system to handle diverse measurement tasks, reducing overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into an integrated electronics system within the tackling dummy. Rather than having separate independent systems for each measurement parameter, the force sensors, location sensors, and other detectors are merged into a unified data acquisition and processing system, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining comprehensive 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
Enables comprehensive and objective evaluation of tackling performance, allowing coaches to provide targeted feedback and improve player techniques through data-driven insights.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor includes at least one of a pressure sensor, a touch sensor, an accelerometer, an inertial measurement unit, a proximity sensor, an LED sensor, and a video camera
Implementation Method 2
The sensor includes at least one of a pressure sensor, a touch sensor, an accelerometer, an inertial measurement unit, a proximity sensor, an LED sensor, and a video camera
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring tackling performance, including a cover adapted to fit a tackling dummy, a sensor embedded in the cover and adapted to produce data relating to at least one tackling performance parameter, and electronics adapted to receive the data from the sensor and at least one of store, analyze, transmit, and display at least one of the data and information derived from the data.