Express Sling Sensor for Climbing Usage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for tracking user frequency and route usage in sports climbing are inefficient, relying on manual observations or expensive video cameras, which are subjective and time-consuming, and fail to provide precise data on safety point usage and fall frequencies.
Innovation Solution
An express sling equipped with sensors and a signal processing device that detects directional changes and contact, transmitting data to smartphones or computers for precise tracking of user frequency, route usage, and fall frequencies, using a miniaturized acceleration sensor and potentially additional sensors like infrared, gyroscopic, or NFC sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual observations or video cameras are used to track user frequency and route usage, then data collection can be performed, but the process is subjective, time-consuming, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The express sling system performs self-measurement by automatically detecting when it is attached to the rope and transmitting this data autonomously. The sensor detects attachment events and the system self-reporting usage data to a database, eliminating the need for manual observation or video analysis. This self-service approach provides precise measurement without time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual observation methods and video camera systems with an electronic sensor-based detection system. The mechanical/manual process of tracking usage is substituted with automated electronic sensors that detect attachment events and transmit data electronically, achieving both precision and efficiency.
2Loss of information
If video cameras are deployed to record climbing activity, then route usage data can be captured, but the system becomes expensive and requires subjective evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function needed for data collection from complex video camera systems. Instead of using full video recording and subjective evaluation, the system extracts and implements only the critical detection function through simple sensors that directly detect attachment events and transmit raw data, eliminating unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified digital representation of the climbing route usage data directly at the source (the express sling itself), rather than creating full video copies and requiring subjective interpretation. The sensor creates an immediate digital record of attachment events that can be directly processed and analyzed.
3Reliability
If express slings are replaced following a specific use period for safety reasons, then safety is maintained, but tracking individual sling usage and optimization opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously collecting usage data from each express sling and making it available for analysis. This feedback loop allows operators to identify which routes and safety points are most frequently used, enabling data-driven decisions about sling replacement schedules and route optimization while maintaining safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data collection and analysis to identify optimization opportunities before making decisions about sling replacement or route modifications. By tracking usage patterns in advance, the system enables proactive optimization of climbing routes and resource allocation while ensuring safety standards are met.
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
Enables precise and automated collection of data on user frequency, route usage, and fall frequencies, improving route optimization and safety by providing objective and efficient tracking of climbing activity data.
Implementation Method 1
which can be a miniaturized acceleration sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A quickdraw for sport climbing includes two carabiners held together by a connecting element having a central region which ends in a loop for the carabiners at each of the two end regions. This connecting element is provided with at least one sensor in the central region between the loops or near to one of the loops. As a result of a minimal movement or touch of the quickdraw, the at least one sensor, triggered by use of the quickdraw, emits an electronic signal which is received by a base station communicating with a smartphone and/or a computer so that the signal can be processed, stored and compared with previously stored signals in order to show or graphically represent the corresponding values resulting therefrom on the display.