Wearable Sensor System for Propulsive Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable devices for monitoring swimming performance primarily focus on basic metrics like stroke counting and heart rate, lacking the ability to accurately quantify and direct propulsive forces, which are crucial for improving technique and reducing lap times, due to their complexity and requirement for specialized equipment.
Innovation Solution
A wearable sensor system combining pressure sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) with a microprocessor to calculate both force magnitude and direction, providing a performance metric that assesses the proportion of forward-directed force, and displaying this data in a 360° polar plot for enhanced feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If basic wearable devices (stop watches, stroke counting, heart rate monitoring) are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of propulsive forces and technique input is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (pressure sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into a single wearable device that integrates both force measurement and motion tracking capabilities. This merging allows the system to capture comprehensive swimming performance data including propulsive forces, body orientation, and stroke mechanics without requiring multiple separate complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: measuring propulsive forces via pressure sensors, tracking body orientation and movement via IMU sensors, calculating performance metrics, and providing real-time feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment while maintaining high measurement precision across different performance parameters
2Measurement precision
If specialized force measurement installations (rope attachment, video systems, controlled-flow channels) are used, then measurement precision of propulsive forces is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to portability and operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is designed to be self-contained and autonomous, requiring no external infrastructure, specialized installations, or trained specialists for operation. The device automatically measures forces, processes sensor data, calculates performance metrics, and provides feedback without external intervention, making it as easy to use as conventional wearables while delivering expert-level measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force measurement systems (ropes, pulleys, controlled-flow channels) with electronic pressure sensors and inertial measurement units. This substitution eliminates the need for cumbersome mechanical installations while maintaining accurate force measurement capabilities through electronic sensing and computational analysis
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors around the hands are used to estimate force magnitude, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pressure sensing with inertial measurement in a single integrated wearable device. By combining data from pressure sensors that measure force magnitude with IMU sensors that capture motion dynamics and body orientation, the system achieves accurate force estimation without requiring an excessive number of pressure sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
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
This system offers accurate, actionable data for swimmers and coaches, improving technique by quantifying propulsive forces and reducing resistive forces, leading to enhanced swimming efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a wearable sensor device including at least one pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
an inertial measurement unit (IMU)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for formulating a performance metric of a motion such as water sport motion, preferable a swimming stroke, includes a wearable sensor device including 4 pressure sensors, a 9 degrees of freedom inertial measurement unit (IMU), a microprocessor communicating with the pressure sensors and the IMU, and waterproof housing in the form of a flexible silicone band to house the microprocessor, the pressure sensors and the IMU. The system includes an external computer communicating with the device for receiving and combining input data from each of the pressure sensors and the IMU, via the microprocessor, and a processing unit configured to combine the input data from both the at least one pressure sensor and the IMU. The input data is used to infer at least one force magnitude and at least one force direction, the input data being used to provide the performance metric of the water sport motion.