Device packaging for an impact detection device
Inventors
Borkholder, David A. • Kenyon, Matthew • Ramplin, Ryan • Ostertag, Michael H. • Sherman, Kim • Wellman, Matthew • Harrison, Micah
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10561341-B2
Publication Date
2020-02-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
An impact detection device for detecting impacts to a body part of a user and various supporting systems are discussed. In an example, an impact detect device can include a circuit board, a component having a first section and a second section, a battery, and a molding for housing the circuit boat, the battery and the component. The circuit board can include impact detection circuitry including at least two sensors and a communication circuit. A zone of reduced rigidity can connect the first and second sections of the component, with the circuit board secured to the first section. The battery can be secured to the second section of the component allowing for flex relative to the circuit board. The molding can be shaped and dimensioned for mounting to a body part of the user.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an impact detection device having at least two sensors, where the at least two sensors include a first accelerometer and at least one of a gyroscope and a second accelerometer. A communication circuit transmits data captured by the at least two sensors to a computer device. The device is packaged in a segmentally flexible housing that includes a first section and a second section connected via a flex zone, with the housing adapted to at least partially conform to an external surface when compressed against the external surface.
The segmentally flexible housing is constructed so the first section includes at least a portion of the circuit board and is substantially rigid, while the second section is a cantilevered extension of the first section. The second section includes the battery and is molded to a radius induced by the at least partial conformance to the external surface. The molded cantilevered flex zone supports conforming wearable placement while maintaining robust protection of the components.
The package further includes an integrated male connector comprising an extended portion of the circuit board with connector pins disposed within a surface of the extended portion, extending externally from the rigid section, and charging circuitry coupled to the connector for charging the battery when connected to a power source.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three related device/package embodiments, centered on impact sensing, sensor data communication to a computer device, and a segmentally flexible housing with a rigid section coupled by a flex zone to a cantilevered, moldable section carrying a battery, plus an integrated connector extending from the circuit board.
Segmentally flexible package with rigid circuit board section and cantilevered battery section
A segmentally flexible package comprising a rigid section encapsulating at least a portion of a circuit board populated with impact detection circuitry; a flexible section encapsulating a battery; and a flex zone coupling the rigid section to the cantilevered portion of the flexible section, wherein the flex zone in conjunction with the flexible section is adapted to at least partially conform the segmentally flexible package to the external surface when held against the external surface by a carrier.
Impact detection circuitry using at least two sensors including accelerometer and gyroscope or second accelerometer
The impact detection circuitry includes at least two sensors, the at least two sensors comprising a first accelerometer and at least one of a gyroscope and a second accelerometer.
Communication circuit transmitting captured sensor data to a computer device
A communication circuit transmits data captured by the at least two sensors to a computer device.
Integrated male connector extending from the rigid circuit board section
An integrated male connector comprises an extended portion of the circuit board with a plurality of connector pins disposed within a surface of the extended portion of the circuit board, and extends externally from a first side of the rigid section.
Cantilevered molded battery portion conforming to an external surface
The flexible section includes the battery mounted on a cantilevered portion moldable to a radius at least partially conforming to an external surface adjacent the segmentally flexible package.
Device to detect impact to a body part using segmentally flexible housing compressing against an external surface
A device to detect impact to a body part comprises at least two sensors; a communication circuit to transmit data captured by the at least two sensors to a computer device; an integrated connector extending from a circuit board holding the at least two sensors and the communication circuit; a battery electrically connected to the at least two sensors, the communication circuit, and the integrated male connector; and a segmentally flexible housing containing the at least two sensors, the communication circuit and the battery, wherein the first section is substantially rigid, the second section is a cantilevered extension of the first section, and the housing is adapted to at least partially conform to an external surface when compressed against the external surface.
Sports accessory with head covering mounting an impact detection device between head covering and user head
A sports accessory comprises a head covering configured to be worn on a head of a user, with an impact detection device mounted to the head covering and located between at least a portion of the head covering and the head of the user, the device including at least two sensors, a communication circuit, an integrated connector, a battery, and a segmentally flexible housing adapted to at least partially conform to the head of the user when compressed against the head by the head covering.
Across the independent claims, the inventive focus is on impact detection circuitry with at least two motion sensors, a communications circuit sending captured sensor data to a computer device, and an integrated connector extending from the circuit board, all packaged in a segmentally flexible housing where a substantially rigid first section is connected through a flex zone to a cantilevered, battery-carrying second section that is moldable to a radius induced by conformance to an external surface.
Stated Advantages
Allows the segmentally flexible package and housing to at least partially conform to an external surface when compressed or held against the external surface by a carrier.
Provides a cantilevered molded second section adapted to receive the battery, with the second section moldable to a radius induced by the at least partial conformance to the external surface.
Documented Applications
A sports accessory with a head covering configured to be worn on a head of a user, where an impact detection device is mounted between at least a portion of the head covering and the head of the user.
A device to detect impact to a body part of a user using a segmentally flexible housing adapted to conform to an external surface when compressed against the external surface.
Carrying the segmentally flexible package in clothing as a carrier holding the segmentally flexible package against an external surface.
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