Athletic Timing Device With Reel Encoder Velocity Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing timing devices for athletic events, particularly swimming, lack accuracy and efficiency in calculating velocity and distance, especially during the initial stages of movement.

Innovation Solution

A timing device with an elongated member extendable from a housing, featuring a reel assembly and encoder system to measure rotational velocity, allowing for precise calculation of linear velocity and distance, and communication with electronic devices for data storage and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional timing methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and velocity calculation accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevelocity measurement accuracyVSAvoidtiming device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical timing methods with an optical encoder system that uses light to detect wheel rotation and calculate velocity. The encoder assembly with light source, sensor, and rotating wheel creates an optical measurement system that provides precise velocity data without complex mechanical linkages, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a rotating wheel as an intermediary element between the swimmer's movement and the encoder system. The wheel converts linear motion into rotational motion that the encoder can measure, serving as a mediator that enables accurate velocity calculation while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and modular.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If velocity updates are made more frequent, then performance tracking accuracy is improved, but data processing requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevelocity update frequencyVSAvoiddata processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic velocity updates at fixed time intervals (e.g., every second) rather than continuous processing. The controller is configured to calculate and store velocity data at these regular intervals, which maintains accurate performance tracking while preventing overwhelming data processing requirements and keeping the system manageable in complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Length of moving object

If the elongated member extends further, then measurement distance is improved, but device reliability and timing accuracy deteriorate due to initial movement phase issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelongated member extension distanceVSAvoidtiming accuracy during initial phase

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-extending the elongated member to a predetermined distance before the actual timing event begins. This allows the swimmer to start from a consistent position and ensures the member is already taut and properly positioned, eliminating timing errors that would occur during the initial extension phase and maintaining measurement precision throughout the full distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Provides accurate and frequent updates of user velocity and distance, offering improved performance tracking and data management compared to current devices, while being cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

An encoder assembly includes a first wheel and an encoder operably coupled with the first wheel. The encoder is configured to detect a rotational velocity of the first wheel.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncoder detection:

Implementation Method 2

A controller is configured to calculate a linear velocity of the elongated member based on the rotational velocity of the first wheel.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVelocity calculation:

Data Source

PatentUS12458866B2Athletic timing device

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 HOVLAND PETER N

AI summary

A timing device includes a housing defining an aperture. An elongated member is extendable from the housing through the aperture. A reel assembly includes a spool rotatable about a spool axle. A portion of the elongated member is wound about the spool. An encoder assembly includes a first wheel and an encoder operably coupled with the first wheel. The encoder is configured to detect a rotational velocity of the first wheel. A controller is configured to calculate a linear velocity of the elongated member based on the rotational velocity of the first wheel. The elongated member is configured to move with the swimmer as the swimmer moves away from the housing.