Mechanical Clicker Running Aid for Arm Backswing Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current running training aids fail to provide real-time auditory feedback on proper arm mechanics, particularly the backswing distance, which is crucial for efficient running performance, and often require complex or bulky components, limiting their effectiveness and availability without a coach's presence.
Innovation Solution
A running training aid with a body strap, reinforcement pad, clickers, and adjustable arm bands that generate an audible alert when the user's arms achieve a predetermined backswing distance, ensuring proper arm mechanics, and can be adjusted to fit various users and exercise levels, potentially incorporating electronic sensors for further analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex or bulky components are used in running training aids, then measurement precision and reliability can be improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensing systems with a simple mechanical clicker mechanism. The clicker uses a cam and follower design that mechanically detects when the arm reaches the proper backswing position, eliminating the need for sensors, batteries, and electronic circuitry while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The training aid uses inexpensive, simple mechanical components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The clicker mechanism consists of basic mechanical parts rather than expensive electronic components, making the device affordable and accessible.
2Productivity
If real-time feedback is provided through auditory signals, then productivity and loss of information are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate auditory feedback through the clicker mechanism that produces a distinct clicking sound when the arm reaches the correct backswing position. This real-time feedback allows users to instantly adjust their form without waiting for coach evaluation or reviewing data later.
Solution Approach 2:
The training aid provides self-contained feedback without requiring external coaching or electronic processing. The mechanical clicker autonomously detects and signals proper form, enabling athletes to self-correct during training sessions independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable components are used to accommodate various users, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable arm bands with movable components that can be easily repositioned to fit different arm sizes. The body strap features an adjustable buckle system allowing users to customize the fit for their specific body dimensions, making the device adaptable to various athletes.
Solution Approach 2:
The training aid is divided into separate modular components including the body strap, arm bands, and clicker mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and manufactured using standard processes, simplifying production while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A running training aid for use by a user to provide auditory feedback on arm mechanics is provided. The running training aid includes a body strap disposed around the user's chest and back areas, a reinforcement pad coupled to a portion of the body strap, a pair of clickers detachably coupled to any portion of the body strap coupled to the reinforcement pad, and a pair of arm bands coupled to the body strap and designed to wrap around the user's arms, each arm band coupled to one of the pair of clickers. Motion of any arm of the user in a backswing direction permits the arm band attached thereon to apply a force on the clicker connected thereto, thereby permitting the clicker to generate an audible alert when the arm travels a predetermined distance.