Strike Detection Equipment Using Intertwined Conductive Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hit detection systems in combat sports like taekwondo, karate, and boxing are unreliable, often failing to detect up to 30% of hits due to issues with Hall effect and RFID technologies, and are hindered by rigid and expensive equipment, with radio wave interference further reducing efficiency and hindering movement.
Innovation Solution
A hit detection equipment featuring conductive surfaces on a jersey or helmet and gloves/shoes with intertwined conductive structures that create a short circuit upon contact, allowing for reliable detection with low-frequency signal transmission and optional impact sensors and gyroscopes for intensity and rotation detection, along with visual transmitters for real-time feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Hall effect sensors and RFID chips are used for hit detection, then contact detection capability is provided, but detection reliability deteriorates with up to 30% of hits undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic detection systems (Hall effect sensors, RFID chips) with a simple electrical contact detection system using conductive structures and electrodes. This mechanical/electrical approach achieves superior reliability by directly detecting circuit completion upon contact, eliminating the detection failures inherent in magnetic and radio frequency-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive structures on the striking surface and conductive electrodes on the target surface create a self-contained detection system that uses the hit event itself to complete the electrical circuit. The system detects its own operation through the natural electrical contact created during impact, achieving 100% detection reliability without external calibration or complex signal processing.
2Measurement precision
If a rigid chest protector is used for hit detection, then hit intensity measurement is enabled, but fighter movement freedom deteriorates due to heaviness and rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid chest protectors with flexible athletic wear incorporating thin conductive elements. The conductive structures are integrated into flexible garments that maintain full fighter mobility while providing accurate hit detection through electrical contact, eliminating the movement restrictions caused by rigid protective equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical intensity measurement systems (rigid sensors, force sensors) with electrical contact-based detection. The hit intensity is inferred from the electrical circuit completion and signal characteristics rather than mechanical force measurement, allowing flexible garment integration that doesn't restrict fighter movement.
3Speed
If radio waves are used for transmitting hit information, then real-time display is achieved, but system vulnerability to jamming deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the physical contact between striking and target surfaces as an intermediary transmission medium. Electrical signals are transmitted directly through the contact point during the hit event, creating a secure communication channel that cannot be jammed. This contact-based intermediary eliminates vulnerability to radio frequency interference while maintaining real-time information transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the brief moment of physical contact during a hit (which was previously just a detection event) into a beneficial communication opportunity. The unavoidable contact required for scoring becomes the transmission medium itself, ensuring secure, jam-proof communication exactly when information transfer is most critical.
4Reliability
If existing detection systems are used, then hit detection is provided, but equipment cost deteriorates making significant spread impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive conductive materials (conductive thread, conductive fabric, simple electrodes) that can be mass-produced and integrated into standard athletic wear. These low-cost components replace expensive sensors and electronic systems, enabling widespread adoption across all levels of competition while maintaining high detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic detection systems with simple electrical contact mechanisms using basic conductive materials. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while improving reliability, as the system uses straightforward electrical circuit completion rather than expensive sensors, signal processing electronics, and calibration systems.
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 system provides reliable, comfortable, and cost-effective hit detection, enhancing movement freedom and reducing interference, allowing for accurate hit counting and rule enforcement without external systems, with visual feedback ensuring precise scoring.
Implementation Method 1
said authorized surface comprises two conductive structures insulated from each other, intertwined with each other over the entirety of said authorized surface, and each connected to an electrical terminal, and configured so that a touch of said authorized surface on a conductive surface creates a short circuit between the two conductive structures
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a hit detection equipment, usable by a fighter and an opponent for martial arts such as taekwondo, karate or boxing, comprising a central device, a valid surface, for example a jersey and/or a helmet, and at least one authorized surface, for example a glove and/or a shoe. Said valid surface comprises at least one conductive surface and said authorized surface comprises two conductive structures insulated from each other, intertwined with each other over the entire said authorized surface, and each connected to an electrical terminal, and configured so that a contact of said authorized surface on a conductive surface creates a short circuit between the two conductive structures.The present invention also concerns a method for detecting a hit struck by a fighter on an opponent, for martial arts such as taekwondo, karate or boxing, each equipped with an equipment according to the invention.