WRIST TRAINING BALL AND INFORMATION DISPLAY AND DETECTING MODULE THEREOF

Abstract

A wrist training ball includes a housing, a rotating body rotatably disposed in the housing, a magnetic component and an information display and detecting module. The magnetic component, disposed at the rotating body, spins with the rotating body. The information display and detecting module, disposed at the housing, includes a sensing unit, a rectifying unit, a signal transforming unit and a processing unit. The sensing unit generates an induced current when the rotating body is spun. The rectifying unit, electrically connected to the sensing unit, rectifies the induced current into an operating power. The signal transforming unit, electrically connected to the sensing unit, transforms the induced current into a motion datum. The processing unit, electrically connected to the rectifying unit and the signal transforming unit, receives the operating power for operation and processes the motion datum to determine a relative motion relationship between the rotating body and the housing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) on Patent Application No(s). 102200720 filed in Taiwan, R.O.C. on Jan. 11, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a wrist training ball, more particularly to a wrist training ball including an information display and detecting module.

2. Description of the Related Art

A gyroscope is applied in a wrist training ball, and the wrist training ball may be spun by this mechanical manner. By applying a rotating motion with the hand, the wrist training ball is able to generate a strong rotational speed greater than 10,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). A stronger resistance is created by the higher revolutions per minute (rpm), which contributes to strengthening the user's wrist and arm.

The wrist training ball may receive an initial kinetic energy by a starting device such that it is beneficial for the user to operate the wrist training ball. For example, the starting device is a pulling cord, a rack or a generator. In order to let the user know the information of the rotation of the rotating body of the wrist training ball, manufacturers developed a wrist training ball including an information display and detecting module. Please refer to FIG. 4, which is a circuit diagram of an information display and detecting module in prior art. The information display and detecting module comprises processing unit 670, a battery 650 and a mechanical switch 660. The battery 650 provides power for the processing unit 670, and when the wrist training ball rotates so as to trigger the mechanical switch 660, the processing unit 670 sends the rotating information to the processing unit 670 for being read. When the battery 650 runs out of its power, the user must replace the battery 650. Otherwise, the user may connect an electronic port of the information display and detecting module to an outer power source (e.g., mains) so as to recharge the information display and detecting module. Therefore, the user must stop his/her training process to replace or recharge the battery 650, so the information display and detecting module can be operated again, which is inconvenient for the user. Moreover, the usage and consumption of the battery 650 is an environmental pollution. Furthermore, the life span of the mechanical switch 660 is short, and when the mechanical switch 660 is switched in a high speed, a false signal is easily generated. When the mechanical switch 660 is replaced by a Hall integrated circuit or a light sensor, both of the Hall integrated circuit or the light sensor may provide more precise signal and have longer life span, but the output signals of the two are weaker, and an amplifier must be additionally disposed. Therefore, the number of the electronic components is greater, and the amplifier needs additional power.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the disclosure provides a wrist training ball comprising a housing, a rotating body, a magnetic component and an information display and detecting module. The rotating body is disposed in the housing, for spinning in relative to the housing. The magnetic component, disposed at the rotating body, for spinning in relative to the housing with the rotating body. The information display and detecting module, disposed at the housing, comprises a sensing unit, a rectifying unit, a signal transforming unit and a processing unit. The sensing unit is configured to generate an induced current when the rotating body is spun in relative to the housing. The rectifying unit, electrically connected to the sensing unit, is configured to rectify the induced current generated by the sensing unit into an operating power. The signal transforming unit, electrically connected to the sensing unit, is configured to transform the induced current generated by the sensing unit into a motion datum. The processing unit, electrically connected to the rectifying unit and the signal transforming unit, is configured to receive the operating power for operation and is configured to process the motion datum to determine a relative motion relationship between the rotating body and the housing.

One embodiment of the disclosure provides an information display and detecting module comprising a sensing unit, a rectifying unit, a signal transforming unit and a processing unit. The sensing unit is configured to receive a magnetic force changing to generate an induced current. The rectifying unit, electrically connected to the sensing unit, is configured to rectify the induced current generated by the sensing unit into an operating power. The signal transforming unit, electrically connected to the sensing unit, is configured to transform the induced current generated by the sensing unit into a motion datum. The processing unit, electrically connected to the rectifying unit and the signal transforming unit, is configured to receive the operating power for operation and is configured to process the motion datum to determine a relative motion relationship with the magnetic force changing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow, along with the accompanying drawings which are for illustration only, thus are not limitative of the present disclosure, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a wrist training ball according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the wrist training ball in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an information display and detecting module in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of the information display and detecting module in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an information detecting module in prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawings.

Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a wrist training ball according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the wrist training ball in FIG. 1. A wrist training ball 10 of the embodiment comprises a housing 100, a rotating body 200, a ring 300, a magnetic component 400 and an information display and detecting module 500. The housing 100 includes an accommodating space 100a. The housing 100 comprises a first shell 110 and a second shell 120. The second shell 120 is assembled to the first shell 110 to form the accommodating space 100a together. The ring 300 is slidably disposed in the housing 100. In other words, the ring 300 is adapted for sliding in relative to the housing 100. The rotating body 200 is rotatably pivoted to and disposed in the ring 300. Therefore, the rotating body 200 is located in the accommodating space 100a of the housing 100, for spinning in relative to the housing 100. The magnetic component 400 is disposed at the rotating body 200, for spinning in relative to the housing 100 with the rotating body 200. In this disclosure, the magnetic component 400 may be located on or embedded in the rotating body 200. The housing 100 further includes a plurality of openings 101 and 102. The opening 101 is disposed on the first shell 110, and the other opening 102 is disposed on the second shell 120. The rotating body 200 exposes from the opening 101. The information display and detecting module 500 is detachably disposed in the opening 102 of the housing 100, but is not limited to the disclosure. In other embodiments, the information display and detecting module 500 is fixedly disposed in the opening 102 of the housing 100. Additionally, the information display and detecting module 500 is located on the housing 100. Moreover, the information display and detecting module 500 comprises a first fastening portion 501, and the housing 100 comprises a second fastening portion 103. The first fastening portion 501 and the second fastening portion 103 are detachably fastened to each other. When the information display and detecting module 500 needs to be replaced, the information display and detecting module 500 can be detached from the housing 100.

Please refer to FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an information display and detecting module in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of the information display and detecting module in FIG. 2. The information display and detecting module 500 comprises a main body 510, a circuit board 520, a sensing unit 530, a rectifying unit 540, a power storage unit 550, a signal transforming unit 560, a processing unit 570, a display unit 580 and an input unit 590. The first fastening portion 501 is located on the main body 510 that is detachably disposed on the second fastening portion 103 of the housing 100 via the first fastening portion 501. The circuit board 520 is disposed on the main body 510. The sensing unit 530 includes a hook 531. The sensing unit 530 is disposed on the circuit board 520 by the hook 531 which is fastened to the circuit board 520. In this embodiment, the sensing unit 530 comprises a plurality of coils. Because the information display and detecting module 500 is fixedly disposed at the housing 100, when the rotating body 200 is spun with respect to the housing 100, the magnetic component 400, which is disposed at the rotating body 200, is accordingly spun in relative to the information display and detecting module 500 disposed at the housing 100. Therefore, the magnetic component 400 generates a relative movement in relative to the sensing unit 530 of the information display and detecting module 500, a changing of the magnetic force (i.e., magnetic force changing) is generated in relative to the sensing unit 530 (that is, the changing of the magnetic flux passing through the sensing unit 530). Consequently, the sensing unit 530 generates an induced current according to the Faraday's Law of Induction.

The rectifying unit 540, the power storage unit 550, the signal transforming unit 560, the processing unit 570 and the input unit 590 are all disposed on the circuit board 520. The rectifying unit 540 is electrically connected to the sensing unit 530. The signal transforming unit 560 is electrically connected to the sensing unit 530. The rectifying unit 540 and the signal transforming unit 560 are respectively coupled to the sensing unit 530. The rectifying unit 540 is configured to rectify the induced current generated by the sensing unit 530 into an operating power. The signal transforming unit 560 is configured to transform the induced current generated by the sensing unit 530 into a motion datum. The power storage unit 550 is electrically connected to the rectifying unit 540 and the processing unit 570, so the processing unit 570 is electrically connected to the rectifying unit 540 via the power storage unit 550. The power storage unit 550 is configured to store the operating power which is rectified by the rectifying unit 540 and also configured to supply the operating power for the processing unit 570. As shown in FIG. 3B, in this embodiment, the power storage unit 550 comprises a capacitor, and the power stored by the power storage unit 550 may provide a supply voltage Vcc for the processing unit 570. The processing unit 570 is electrically connected to the signal transforming unit 560. The processing unit 570 is configured to receive the operating power for operation and is also configured to process the motion datum to determine a result of a relative motion relationship between the rotating body 200 and the housing 100. For example, the relative motion relationships are the rotating speed, rotation revolutions, acceleration and angular acceleration of the rotating body 200 in relative to the housing 100. The display unit 580 is electrically connected to the processing unit 570. The processing unit 570 is also configured to control the display unit 580 to display the result of the relative motion relationship between the rotating body 200 and the housing 100 with respect to the changing of the magnetic force. In this embodiment, the display unit 580 comprises a display portion and a backlight portion disposed on the display portion (not shown). The backlight portion helps the user to read messages shown on the display portion. Furthermore, the processing unit 570 is also configured to calculate the time of rotations of the rotating body 200, that is, the time of operation of the wrist training ball 10. The input unit 590 is disposed on the circuit board 520 and is electrically connected to the processing unit 570. As shown in FIG. 3B, in this embodiment, the input unit 590 is electrically connected to the signal transforming unit 560. In other embodiments, the input unit 590 and the signal transforming unit 560 are independently disposed to be separated by a distance. A button 591 is disposed on the main body 510 and corresponds to the input unit 590. When the button 591 is pressed, the input unit 590 is triggered, and the input unit 590 transmits an input signal to the processing unit 570. The processing unit 570 switches the content of the display unit 580 according to the input signal. For example, when the button 591 is pressed, the processing unit 570 controls the display unit 580 to switch and display the result of the relative motion relationship and the time of operation. Furthermore, the processing unit 570 may reset the time of operation according to the input signal.

In other embodiments, the information display and detecting module 500 does not comprise the power storage unit 550, and the rectifying unit 540 is directly and electrically connected to the processing unit 570. The operating power which is rectified by the rectifying unit 540 directly supplies power for the processing unit 570.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the wrist training ball 10 is operated, the user may control a starting device (not shown) to provide an initial kinetic energy for the rotating body 200. For example, the starting device is a pulling cord, a rack or a generator. The starting device is in contact with the rotating body 200 via the opening 101 so as to make the rotating body 200 spin (namely, rotate), thereby providing the initial kinetic energy for the rotating body 200. During the operation of the wrist training ball 10, the rotating body 200 is spun to make the magnetic component 400 spin accordingly such that the sensing unit 530 generates the induced current. As shown in FIG. 3, some of the induced current is rectified into the operating power by the rectifying unit 540, and the operating power is supplied for the processing unit 570 to operate. The signal transforming unit 560 may output the motion datum according to the induced current and the amplitude thereof. Therefore, the processing unit 570 is configured to determine the relative motion relationship between the rotating body and the housing with respect to the changing of the magnetic force. The larger the frequency of the induced current is, the faster the rotating body spins.

According to the wrist training ball disclosed in this embodiment, because of the induction effect between the magnetic component disposed at the rotating body and the information display and detecting module disposed at the housing, the sensing unit generates the induced current according to the changing of the magnetic force. The processing unit is configured to rectify the induced current that is received form the rectifying unit into the operating power as well as configured to receive the motion datum that is transformed from the induced current by the signal transforming unit. When the user operates the wrist training ball, the processing unit may receive the operating power from the induced current and the motion datum from the induced current at the same time. As long as the user operates the wrist training ball, the information display and detecting module is operated and performs detecting without other sources of power (does not need other power supply). Because the sensing unit is electrically connected to the processing unit via the signal transforming unit as well as via the rectifying unit, the processing unit not only obtains the motion datum of the rotating body according to the induced current but also receives the operating power from the induced current. Therefore, the wrist training ball according to the disclosure saves energy and avoids the inconvenience of the user and environmental pollution resulted from the replacing of battery.

Claims

1. A wrist training ball, comprising:

a housing;

a rotating body disposed in the housing, for spinning in relative to the housing;

a magnetic component disposed at the rotating body, for spinning in relative to the housing with the rotating body; and

an information display and detecting module disposed at the housing, and the information display and detecting module comprising: a sensing unit configured to generate an induced current when the rotating body is spun in relative to the housing; a rectifying unit electrically connected to the sensing unit, and the rectifying unit configured to rectify the induced current generated by the sensing unit into an operating power; a signal transforming unit electrically connected to the sensing unit, and the signal transforming unit configured to transform the induced current generated by the sensing unit into a motion datum; and a processing unit electrically connected to the rectifying unit and the signal transforming unit, and the processing unit configured to receive the operating power for operation and configured to process the motion datum to determine a relative motion relationship between the rotating body and the housing.

2. The wrist training ball according to claim 1, wherein the information display and detecting module further comprises:

a main body detachably disposed on the housing; and

a circuit board disposed on the main body, and wherein the sensing unit, the rectifying unit, the signal transforming unit and the processing unit are disposed on the circuit board.

3. The wrist training ball according to claim 1, wherein the information display and detecting module further comprises a first fastening portion, the housing comprises a second fastening portion, and the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are detachably fastened to each other.

4. The wrist training ball according to claim 1, wherein the information display and detecting module is fixedly disposed at the housing.

5. The wrist training ball according to claim 1, wherein the information display and detecting module further comprises a power storage unit electrically connected to the rectifying unit and the processing unit, and wherein the power storage unit is configured to store the operating power that is rectified by the rectifying unit and to supply the operating power for the processing unit.

6. The wrist training ball according to claim 5, wherein the power storage unit comprises a capacitor.

7. The wrist training ball according to claim 1, wherein the information display and detecting module further comprises a display unit electrically connected to the processing unit, and the processing unit is also configured to control the display unit to display information of the relative motion relationship between the rotating body and the housing.

8. The wrist training ball according to claim 7, wherein the display unit comprises a display portion and a backlight portion disposed on the display portion.

9. The wrist training ball according to claim 1, wherein both the rectifying unit and the signal transforming unit are electrically connected to the sensing unit by coupling.

10. The wrist training ball according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes an accommodating space and the rotating body is located in the accommodating space.

11. The wrist training ball according to claim 10, wherein the housing comprises a first shell and a second shell, and the second shell is assembled on the first shell to form the accommodating space.

12. The wrist training ball according to claim 1, further comprising a ring slidably disposed in housing, and wherein the rotating body is pivoted on and adapted for spinning in relative to the ring.

13. The wrist training ball according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes an opening where the rotating body is exposed.

14. An information display and detecting module, comprising:

a sensing unit configured to receive a magnetic force changing to generate an induced current;

a rectifying unit electrically connected to the sensing unit, the rectifying unit configured to rectify the induced current generated by the sensing unit into an operating power;

a signal transforming unit electrically connected to the sensing unit, the signal transforming unit configured to transform the induced current generated by the sensing unit into a motion datum; and

a processing unit electrically connected to the rectifying unit and the signal transforming unit, the processing unit configured to receive the operating power for operation and configured to process the motion datum to determine a relative motion relationship with the magnetic force changing.

15. The information display and detecting module according to claim 14, further comprising:

a main body; and

a circuit board disposed on the main body, and wherein the sensing unit, the rectifying unit, the signal transforming unit and the processing unit are disposed on the circuit board.

16. The information display and detecting module according to claim 14, further comprising a power storage unit electrically connected to the rectifying unit and the processing unit, and wherein the power storage unit is configured to store the operating power that is rectified by the rectifying unit and configured to supply the operating power for the processing unit.

17. The information display and detecting module according to claim 16, wherein the power storage unit comprises a capacitor,

18. The information display and detecting module according to claim 14, further comprising a display unit electrically connected to the processing unit, and wherein the processing unit is also configured to control the display unit to display the relative motion relationship.

19. The information display and detecting module according to claim 18, wherein the display unit comprises a display portion and a backlight portion disposed on the display portion.

20. The information display and detecting module according to claim 14, wherein both the rectifying unit and the signal transforming unit are electrically connected to the sensing unit by coupling.