Shatter-Proof Mount for Motion Capture Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for sporting equipment electronics require modification of the equipment, can interfere with handling, and may shatter upon impact, posing safety hazards and violating competition rules by altering the weight of the equipment.
Innovation Solution
A shatter-proof enclosure and mount for motion capture elements that can be retrofitted to existing equipment without modification, featuring a non-permanent attachment mechanism using a screw and expander within the equipment's shaft, with a visual marker and shock-absorbing materials to prevent fragmentation upon impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mounts are used for sporting equipment electronics, then the electronics can be mounted on the equipment, but the equipment requires modification (threading the shaft) and the mount may shatter upon impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the mount from traditional rigid materials (acrylic, polycarbonate) to elastomeric material. This parameter change enables the mount to deform elastically under impact loads rather than shattering, while maintaining its structural function to hold electronics and visual markers on sporting equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining elastomeric material with embedded components (electronics, visual markers) within a single integrated mount structure. This composite approach allows the mount to provide both structural support and shock absorption simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate protective housings.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing mounts are used for sporting equipment electronics, then the electronics can be mounted, but the mount requires modification of the equipment shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mount into modular components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The elastomeric mount body is separate from the electronics and visual markers, allowing each component to be optimized independently and assembled through simple embedding processes without requiring shaft modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric mount serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for electronics, holds visual markers, absorbs shock, and attaches to the equipment shaft. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, protective housings, and attachment mechanisms, simplifying both manufacturing and installation.
3Ease of operation
If existing mounts are used for sporting equipment electronics, then the electronics can be mounted, but the mount extends beyond the shaft end and interferes with handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the electronics and visual markers within the elastomeric mount body rather than mounting them on external brackets or housings. This nesting approach consolidates all components within a compact volume that fits within or flush with the shaft end, eliminating protruding elements that would interfere with handling.
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 secure, durable, and safe integration of motion capture technology on sporting equipment without altering its weight or handling, ensuring compliance with competition rules and protecting users from impact-related hazards.
Implementation Method 1
The mount is constructed from an elastomeric material that is resilient to impact shocks
Implementation Method 2
shock-absorbing materials to prevent fragmentation upon impact
Data Source
AI summary
A shatter proof enclosure and mount for a motion capture element that couples to equipment, where the enclosure and optionally the mount is shatter proof or shatter resistant. Exposed areas of the enclosure or mount or both that are subject to impact may be covered with a protective layer that prevents fragments of the enclosure or internal components from exiting the layer, even in the event of an impact. For example, the protective layer may incorporate flexible materials such as silicone rubber. Alternatively, the protective layer may be rigid but effectively unbreakable, using materials such as polycarbonate. The protective layer may also include a mesh that prevents internal components from existing the enclosure.