Adjustable Pool Panel with Force Sensors for Flip Turn Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing swimming flip turn training devices are ineffective as they cannot be adjusted to fit individual swimmers and lack data on performance metrics, making it difficult for athletes to learn and improve their technique.

Innovation Solution

A portable, adjustable panel with sensors and optical stimuli is immersed in the pool, providing real-time feedback on the optimal moment and location for the flip turn, measuring dynamic parameters like force and speed, and allowing for data analysis of the athlete's performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed training device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot be adjusted according to individual swimmer configurations and performance levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to individual swimmer configurationVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The panel is made adjustable in position along the pool edge, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned to match different swimmer configurations and performance levels. This transforms a static device into a dynamic one that can adapt to individual needs without requiring a completely different device for each swimmer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The training device is designed as a universal panel that can serve multiple swimmers with different configurations and skill levels. By making the panel position adjustable, a single device can universally accommodate various swimmer types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If no measurement system is included, then the device is simpler and cheaper, but it cannot provide measured data on performance metrics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance data measurementVSAvoidsensor and data system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Force sensors are integrated into the panel to measure the propulsion force exerted by the swimmer during the flip turn. This measurement feedback provides quantitative data on performance, allowing swimmers and trainers to objectively assess and improve technique rather than relying on subjective observation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical measurement methods are replaced with electronic force sensors and digital data processing. This substitution enables precise measurement of performance metrics while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through modern sensing technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If real-time feedback is provided, then learning efficiency is improved, but the device requires more complex control systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelearning efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol and optical stimulus system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Optical feedback is provided through a light source that illuminates the panel in real-time during the swimmer's approach and execution of the flip turn. This visual feedback helps swimmers understand their technique and timing, improving learning efficiency without requiring complex mechanical feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The optical stimulus acts as an intermediary between the swimmer's performance and the feedback system. Instead of directly measuring and displaying complex performance data, the system uses light as a simple, intuitive mediator that provides immediate visual confirmation of proper technique and timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system enables swimmers to learn correct flip turn techniques by indicating the optimal moment and location for propulsion, providing measurable feedback on strength and speed, and adjusting to individual configurations, enhancing learning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a light source 4, connected to a command and control microsystem 5

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

which contains at the bottom the impact area 2, internally equipped with a sensor force 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 3

together with the presence sensor 6, mounted on the side of the pool lane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3868451B1Equipment for flip turn learning in swimming lessons

Publication Date: 2023.05.24 UNIV STEFAN CEL MARE DIN SUCEAVA

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

Equipment for flip turn learning in swimming lessons, according to the invention, consists mainly of a parallelepipedic panel (1), which is immersed in the pool at the end of the athlete's flip turn zone and which contains at the bottom the impact area (2), equipped internal with a force sensor (3), and a light source (4), connected to a command and control microsystem (5), together with the presence sensor (6) used to detect the presence of the swimmer and provide information at the time the return procedure must be started. The abstract of the invention will be published together with figure 1.