Orienteering Compass Recessed Edge Line for Map Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing orienteering compasses suffer from limited map readability and deviations in running azimuth due to the obstruction caused by the plate edge line, leading to increased transit time and impaired athletic performance.
Innovation Solution
The orienteering compass features a capsule with a magnetic needle and a plate having a recessed edge line and a colored thread between its segments, allowing for precise alignment of the map line AB with the edge line, enhancing parallelism and readability, and includes additional markings for distance control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the plate edge line is made prominent to indicate direction of movement, then azimuth indication is improved, but map readability deteriorates due to obstruction and reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The edge line is divided into multiple segments separated by gaps, with colored threads placed in the gaps. This segmentation allows the edge line to maintain its directional indication function while reducing continuous obstruction of the map, improving readability in areas between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Colored threads are introduced as intermediary elements between the edge line segments. These threads serve as visual connectors that guide the user's eye along the direction of movement while being less obstructive than a continuous edge line, balancing azimuth indication with map readability.
2Ease of operation
If the plate is made transparent for better map visibility, then map readability is improved, but the edge line obstruction and reflection problems persist
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the edge line into discrete portions with gaps between them, the continuous obstruction and reflection problem is reduced. The transparent plate material combined with segmented edge lines allows light to pass through more effectively, minimizing reflection while maintaining directional guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge line has different properties in different locations: it is present in some areas (for azimuth indication) and absent in other areas (gaps with colored threads). This local variation optimizes both functions - where the edge line is needed for direction and where it should be removed to improve visibility.
3Ease of operation
If the edge line is shifted from the route AB to improve readability, then map visibility is improved, but azimuth accuracy deteriorates due to parallelism deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented edge line design allows the edge line to remain aligned with route AB for maximum parallelism and azimuth accuracy, while the gaps between segments provide unobstructed view of the map. This eliminates the need to shift the edge line for readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstructive portions of the edge line are extracted and replaced with gaps containing colored threads. This extraction removes the source of obstruction while preserving the essential directional indication function at the critical alignment points along route AB.
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
This design provides unobstructed map views, maximizes azimuth accuracy, reduces mental effort and time, and minimizes deviations during running in azimuth, thereby improving athletic performance.
Implementation Method 1
The compass needle (the magnetic pointer) is contained within a hermetically sealed flat capsule. The capsule is filled with a liquid. Under the influence of the earth's magnetic field, the compass needle adjusts itself parallel to magnetic north.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of land navigation. It can be used in orienteering. The technical benefits are that: - the readability of the orienteering map is improved, - deviations (errors) in azimuth (direction angle) are reduced, and - the runner's time expenditure is decreased. This, in turn, enables the runner to achieve higher athletic performance. The orienteering compass comprises a capsule with a magnetic pointer (a magnetic needle) and a plate. A loop (a strap) is attached to the plate. This loop allows the compass to be held on the finger. The plate has an edge line in the direction of travel. The extension of this edge line runs through the center of the capsule. The plate has a recess.The recess encompasses the central part (area) of the edge line and partially the plane of the plate (plate surface). A portion of the plate surface borders the central part of the edge line. A colored, straight thread is located within the recess between the segments of the edge line. Two colored dots are attached to this thread. The distance between the dots is 1 cm.