Suspended Sensor Pit Structure for Accurate Sports Ball Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorporating electronic devices into sports balls, particularly those with inflatable bladders, poses challenges in terms of manufacturing complexity and cost, and existing solutions fail to provide consistent and accurate data collection during sporting activities.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system using continuous cords is employed to suspend a pit within the hollow shell of a sports ball, ensuring that electronic devices are centered and cushioned, thereby maintaining their operational accuracy and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic devices are included in the hollow shell of a sports ball, then information collection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow shell is divided into multiple compartments or sections, with electronic devices placed in specific compartments. This segmentation allows for organized placement of electronic components while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and reducing overall complexity of integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic devices are nested within the hollow shell structure, with smaller components housed within larger structural elements. This nesting approach allows electronic devices to be integrated into the ball without significantly increasing external dimensions or manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If electronic devices are included in the hollow shell of a sports ball, then information collection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is manufactured in modular segments that can be produced separately and then assembled. Electronic devices are integrated into specific segments during assembly, allowing for standardized mass production of individual components and reducing overall manufacturing cost through economies of scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow shell structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the structural framework of the ball, contains the electronic devices, and facilitates information collection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and lowers manufacturing costs.
3Measurement precision
If electronic devices are placed in the hollow shell, then data collection accuracy is improved, but device stability under mechanical load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Cushioning material is placed around electronic devices within the hollow shell before final assembly. This pre-installed cushioning protects the electronic devices from mechanical shocks and vibrations during sporting activities, maintaining their stability and operational accuracy under various loads.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the hollow shell have different structural properties tailored to their specific functions. Areas containing electronic devices have enhanced stability features and cushioning, while other areas maintain the overall structural integrity needed for ball performance. This localized optimization ensures device stability without compromising overall ball quality.
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 suspension system effectively locates and supports the electronic devices at the center of the ball, minimizing operational interference and damage, while optimizing weight characteristics and adhering to sporting regulations, thus ensuring accurate data collection and compliance with official standards.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension system of the ball may comprise one or more continuous cords having first and second ends coupled to the hollow shell at spaced apart locations. The cords may be coupled to the pit and the hollow shell such that the cords are under tension within the sports ball.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sports ball (100), for example a soccer ball, comprising a hollow shell (130) and a pit (140) suspended within the hollow shell by a plurality of cords (170). In some embodiments, the plurality of cords may comprise a first end (172) coupled to the hollow shell at a first location (106), a second end (184) coupled to the hollow shell at a second location (108), and a center portion (180) coupled to the pit. In some embodiments, the pit may be suspended within the hollow shell by a plurality of cords, with each of the plurality of cords comprising a frayed end secured to the hollow shell at one of a plurality of spaced apart locations.