Portable Swing Training System with Grapple Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current training methods for golf and hockey swings focus on the full swing, neglecting the specific strengthening of muscle groups used in the forward movement through the bottom quarter of the swing arc, and require athletes to spend extensive time at a training facility, which is often impractical due to busy schedules.

Innovation Solution

A portable swing training system with a base unit and load cell that provides focused resistance training by securing a swing device, allowing athletes to practice the bottom quarter of the swing arc in a controlled and repeatable manner, using a grapple mechanism and processor to adjust resistance levels and provide feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If athletes train at a golf course or hockey rink, then they can access full-size training facilities, but they cannot train frequently due to busy schedules and travel requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining frequencyVSAvoidtime spent traveling to and setting up at training facilities

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The training system is divided into separate functional components: a base unit with resistance mechanism, a swing device with sensor, and a controller. This segmentation allows the system to be transported and assembled in different locations, enabling athletes to train anywhere without requiring a full-size facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a portable base unit with a grapple mechanism as an intermediary between the athlete and the swing device. This intermediary component can be easily transported and set up in various locations (home, office, road), eliminating the need for athletes to travel to dedicated training facilities while still providing effective resistance training.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the training system includes many separate components, then it can provide comprehensive training functionality, but it becomes difficult and time-consuming to set up and take down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining functionalityVSAvoidsetup and teardown process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple training functions into an integrated base unit that includes the resistance mechanism, grapple attachment, and control system. The swing device is designed as a single unit that attaches to the base, eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate components during setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grapple mechanism dynamically adjusts between locked and released states based on sensor feedback, allowing the system to automatically adapt during training without requiring manual adjustment. This dynamic operation simplifies the user interface while maintaining comprehensive training functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the training system provides focused resistance on the bottom quarter of the swing arc, then it strengthens specific muscle groups, but it requires precise control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswing arc control precisionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The swing device includes a sensor that detects the position and motion of the swing, providing feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to activate the grapple at the precise moment the swing reaches the bottom quarter position, ensuring focused resistance training on the intended muscle groups without requiring complex manual timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical timing mechanisms with an electronic sensor and controller system. The sensor automatically detects swing position and triggers the grapple activation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages or manual timing while achieving precise control over when resistance is applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances muscle memory and strength development for golf and hockey athletes by isolating the critical phase of the swing, allowing for efficient and consistent training both indoors and outdoors, regardless of location, with a compact and user-friendly system.

Implementation Method 1

A load cell determines load data based on a load placed on the grapple

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad cell measurement: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9802097B2Swing training system and method

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 RYAN TIMOTHY

AI summary

A swing training system includes a base unit having a grapple that is movable between open and closed positions. A free end of an elongated swing device, such as a golf club or a hockey stick, is secured within the grapple. The swing device is manipulated to exert a force on the grapple and a load cell, away from the base unit, for a predetermined value, such as force and/or time. Relative movement between the grapple and the base is substantially limited while the swing device is manipulated. Once the predetermined value is attained, the grapple releases the free end of the swing device.