The Problem
Nike/Bauer wants to design and build a prototype of a power meter for a hockey stick. Power meters have been built for other types of sporting gear (e.g. bicycles) and Nike wants to develop a new product aimed directly at hockey players.
The Assignment
Sporting power meter readings are typically designed based on a measurement of deflection (i.e. strain). For your design, you will use strain gauges to measure the deflection of a hockey stick, and correlate this deflection to a power measurement. A user interface will then provide the hockey player with information on the power measurement. Since the deflection of a hockey stick is different for each person (i.e. depends on length of hockey stick and hand position), you must develop a design that can be adapted to any user. However, once the power meter is installed on the hockey stick, it is only required to work for one specific player.
The evaluation of the prototype of the power meter was based on:
- Accuracy and precision of power measurement during static testing and shot
- User interface
- Aesthetics and compatibility with the players equipment
- Durability and compatibility with expected conditions during play
