Integrated Adjustable Anchor Ledge for Swimming Starting Platform
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional starting platforms for swimmers lack an adjustable anchor ledge, leading to instability and potential tripping hazards, especially during multi-discipline races, as standalone systems require frequent installation and removal, increasing the likelihood of improper installation.
Innovation Solution
A starting platform with an integrated adjustable anchor ledge assembly, featuring a shaft and dual adjustment mechanisms that allow for axial and rotational movement, enabling secure and easy adjustment of the anchor ledge's position without the need for removal, ensuring stability and comfort for all swimming events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standalone anchor ledge system is used, then the anchor ledge can be adjusted for individual swimmer comfort, but the system requires frequent installation and removal, increasing the likelihood of improper installation and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchor ledge system with the starting platform by integrating the adjustment mechanism into the platform structure itself. The shaft is positioned within the interior cavity of the base, and the adjustment mechanisms are coupled to the shaft, creating a unified integrated system that eliminates the need for separate standalone anchor ledge systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated anchor ledge system serves multiple functions: it provides adjustable support for backstroke swimmers while remaining permanently installed on the starting platform. The system can be used for all swimming events without requiring removal, making it a universal solution that maintains reliability across different swimming disciplines.
2Reliability
If a fixed anchor ledge is provided, then the installation is simple and reliable, but the swimmer cannot adjust the position to suit individual comfort needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the anchor ledge system through mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The shaft can be rotated along a rotational axis, and the adjustment mechanisms can move axially along the horizontal axis, allowing the anchor ledge position to be dynamically changed according to swimmer needs while maintaining secure installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anchor ledge system is removed and reinstalled for different swimming events, then the platform can be adapted for different disciplines, but the frequent installation and removal increases the likelihood of improper installation and reduces time efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated anchor ledge system is designed to remain permanently installed on the starting platform and can be used for all swimming events. The adjustment mechanisms allow the same system to accommodate different swimming disciplines without requiring removal or reinstallation, making it a universal solution that saves time and maintains reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A swimming starting platform having a base supporting a tread surface and an anchor ledge for supporting swimmers. The base includes a shaft extending through an interior cavity of the base from a first side panel to a second side panel. An adjustment mechanism is coupled to an end of the shaft and positioned along the first side panel, where the adjustment mechanism is actuatable to rotate the shaft and adjust a position of the anchor ledge relative to the base of the starting platform.