RESEARCH + AREA OF FOCUS
Also known as the "sweet science", one of the biggest tools someone can use in boxing is called a jab. A jab is a fast, long-range punch that is primarily used to keep an opponent at bay. Because of the nature of the jab, it used the most often, and thus, many people neglect the power aspect of it. What this concept will focus on, is the area of sports and will be used as a training tool to increase the efficiency of the user's jab and power-punching skills. This tool perfects the art of jabbing, and more specifically the power in the jab, rather than the frequency of the jabs thrown or speed (although they all tie in with power anyways).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The concept I am proposing for the final group project is called the Big Boy Glove. In a nutshell, it is a glove that would be primarily be used in Martial Arts and is aimed for training purposes. The user would put on the glove (on their punching hand), and with an attached force resistor, they would punch an object (such as a punching bag), and if enough force is applied, it will light up. The purpose of the glove is to improve punching power and accuracy for those training in martial arts. The glove itself is a simple cloth glove, and not an actual boxing/martial arts glove. The reason for this, is because when training, a lot of fighters use their bare hands for conditioning purposes, and as such, it would be best to use a thinner material for this project.
GLOVE LAYOUT
As for the layout of the materials on the glove, they will be organized in a simplistic yet efficient way. The force resistor itself would obviously have to be located near the knuckles, close to where it would be able to sense pressure when punching. The resistor would then be wired up to the Arduino, ontop of the hand, with the LED Neopixels wired near the wrist. With this layout, the user can punch freely, without having to worry about hitting the Flora or the LEDs, since the main focus is going to be on the resistor.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The glove utilizes a force-sensitive resistor, attached to the front of the glove, near the knuckles. This sensor will detect and pressure and weight changes, and alter the resistance depending on how much pressure is applied. Essentially, the harder someone punches, the dimmer the LEDs attached to the glove will be. The weaker the punch, the brighter the LEDs will become, indicating to the user they have a sissy-like punch.
INPUT: The user utilizing the glove and punching a target, sending a signal to the force-sensitive resistor how much pressure is being sent through the glove.
OUTPUT: The neopixel LED display when enough pressure is detected by the resistor.
WHY THIS IS A GOOD PROJECT
Not only will users be able to wear this project, but they can punch it too, and see how strong their punches really are. It is a training tool, not just a wearable, and is something that someone can use over and over again until they perfect their jab. Afterwards, it can be handed-down to someone else, and continue the cycle.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
- Force-Sensitive Resistor (1) [Can be obtained from Library]
- Glove (1) [Can be bought from dollar store or clothing store]
- Neo-Pixels (4-6)
- Conductive Wire
- Arduino Flora
SKILLSET REQUIRED
- Good at sewing (check)
- Knowledge of hand anatomy and how punches work (check)
- Determination (check)
- Discipline (check)
