The original Shot Scope system was comprised of a wrist worn device in combination with a twenty club tags, one tag being inserted into the top of each golf club. The Club Sense system is able to record the user the exact point on the course where the ball was played, detect which club has been and the associated shot distance.

Shot Scope GPS combines this proven tracking technology with an integrated GPS range finder system which indicates the distance to the green on each hole as well as the position of difficult obstacles.

It was paramount that the Shot Scope GPS system did not inhibit the golfer’s game through bulk, comfort or appearance. To this end the main challenge throughout the project was to minimise the product size, whilst accommodating the additional size of the more advanced GPS technology used in the V2 product.

There was also the need to incorporate the antenna within one of the wrist straps in an economical and robust manner, without compromising the functionality.

The product has to be used outdoors, therefore inclusion of a sealing system was a key requirement. The challenge was how to include a seal, avoid thick wall sections, whilst allowing the antenna to enter the housing from the strap.

Finally, Shot Scope wanted to launch the product, with fully considered electronic assembly, finished injection moulded parts, within an 8 month time frame.

We were determined to address the challenge presented by the "antennae within a strap" challenge right from the start because if this could not be done properly the product could be compromised. The intent was always to over-mould the antenna, effectively a flexible circuit, with a soft but robust silicone however there were issues to be addressed. The flexible circuit would have to be inserted into a mould tool, held securely without warping, and withstand the tool and curing temperatures. i4pd’s engineers conceived a twin over-mould technique to address these concerns.

Concurrently i4pd began a 3D CAD layout, not only to determine the product architecture, but developed to a level sufficient to consider wall thickness, sealing paths and how the main housing would interact with the over-moulded antenna. Consideration was also given to wrist sizes, both for men and women, which influenced how the straps exited the main housing.

Whilst the product architecture was being developed, the team were able to develop a series of appearance design options. The inclusion of a graphical screen and additional ‘mode’ button would give this product a different appearance over the initial Shot Scope, but i4 wanted to work within the spatial constraints to develop a product that would be both appealing and fit for purpose.

Whilst the product architecture was being developed, i4pd were able to develop a series of appearance design options. The inclusion of a graphical screen and additional ‘mode’ button would give this product a different appearance over the initial Shot Scope, but i4pd wanted to work within the spatial constraints to develop a product that would be both appealing and fit for purpose.

The appearance design was developed within the size constraints of the new PCB, into a form with features which streamline from the main housing down to the strap. Clever use of gloss, matt and textured areas are employed to underline the professional Shot Scope marketing message.

Heavy use was made of our internal 3D printer throughout the project to initially check construction strategy, size and comfort on the wrist (small ladies to larger men). Thereafter the models were used to fine tune the appearance design to the team's satisfaction.

Right at the beginning of the project i4pd identified a vendor capable of completing the over-moulding of the antenna within the strap. This collaboration allowed us to further develop the twin over-mould strategy. The vendor did comment that the approach was new to them, but were supportive throughout a prototype/early production phase.

As per our normal practice formal reports were generated at key stages to record and guide the parts to golden sample.

i4pd became involved with Shot Scope’s preferred assembly house at an early stage in the product design stage, which meant that there were no surprises waiting in the wings!

Regular review meetings were held between the i4pd and Shot Scope design teams, to ensure that decisions were made promptly, and that the electronic elements were being developed in concert with the enclosure design. There was a great deal of back and forth to determine the optimum flexible connection routing, with an eye on final assembly and space saving. It was a thoroughly enjoyable project and it is no exaggeration to say that the two teams worked efficiently as one to deliver the project within the tight timeline and budget.