EARNING FIRST-MOVER
TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGES
Spalding relies on NuCurrent’s MLMT technology to create a
first-of-its-kind connected training basketball.
EARNING FIRST-MOVER
TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGES
In the world of basketball, Spalding is an equipment and training staple. The smart
basketball concept is another example of Spalding catering to its
customers’ diverse needs.
Challenge
Spalding’s previous in-house attempts to incorporate wireless power into their ball-based training system continuously failed. Not only were they unable to reach desired power and data levels, but the internal hardware diminished the smart basketball’s bounce-back performance. In other words, the initial solution did not bounce, dribble or throw like a standard basketball—rendering this advancement in training impractical.
Solution
Like Honeywell and Prevent Biometrics, Spalding did not need their wireless power solution to be compatible with other external devices (i.e. smartphones) so NuCurrent developed a proprietary wireless power system. The result was a high-frequency, low-power solution to deliver 2-5W via 6.78MHz that achieved the required power levels and system efficiency. By selecting and uniquely housing NuCurrent’s patented MLMT PCB coils within the basketball, NuCurrent was also able to improve the user experience by making it feel and respond just like a normal basketball.
Together, Spalding and NuCurrent addressed several challenges to create the first-ever connected-product training system.
Challenge
Spalding’s previous in-house attempts to incorporate wireless power into their ball-based training system continuously failed. Not only were they unable to reach desired power and data levels, but the internal hardware diminished the smart basketball’s bounce-back performance. In other words, the initial solution did not bounce, dribble or throw like a standard basketball—rendering this advancement in training impractical.
Solution
Like Honeywell and Prevent Biometrics, Spalding did not need their wireless power solution to be compatible with other external devices (i.e. smartphones) so NuCurrent developed a proprietary wireless power system. The result was a high-frequency, low-power solution to deliver 2-5W via 6.78MHz that achieved the required power levels and system efficiency. By selecting and uniquely housing NuCurrent’s patented MLMT PCB coils within the basketball, NuCurrent was also able to improve the user experience by making it feel and respond just like a normal basketball.
Together, Spalding and NuCurrent addressed several challenges to create the first-ever connected-product training system.
SMART BASKETBALL TRAINING AID
POWER:
2-5W
SOLUTION TYPE:
HIGH FREQUENCY (CUSTOM)
Results
NuCurrent laid the groundwork for a custom wireless charging system for a client whose industry has not utilized wireless power yet—giving them the first-mover technology advantage within their space. Spalding’s new wireless power technology could achieve z-height flexibility, positioning flexibility and multi-device charging, creating a real game-changer in the industry
Results
NuCurrent laid the groundwork for a custom wireless charging system for a client whose industry has not utilized wireless power yet—giving them the first-mover technology advantage within their space. Spalding’s new wireless power technology could achieve z-height flexibility, positioning flexibility and multi-device charging, creating a real game-changer in the industry
