Design and use of an instrumented curling brush

Abstract

The design and manufacture of an instrumented curling brush, sweep ergometer, has provided the first quantitative analysis of sweeping in the Olympic sport of curling. Sweeping is a method by which curlers alter the trajectory of curling stones and can provide the difference between winning and losing in a target-based sport where centimetre scale variations are vitally important. Two design phases led to the development of the wireless sweep ergometer that is able to measure an athlete's performance unencumbered. The ergometer measures the vertical and horizontal forces, and acceleration of the brush head in two axes. Graphical output can be used to analyse player technique, strength, and rate of fatigue. The ergometer provides an outstanding tool for both skill and consistency coaching and will help in team selection and match tactics.