Flyback Timekeeper Mechanism for Regatta Timing Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timekeepers for measuring settable predetermined periods in regattas lack the ability to correct start-time errors, cannot be resynchronized, and do not allow for storing programmed periods, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies, especially during events like regattas where precise timing is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A timekeeper mechanism that allows for programming and storing settable periods, enabling user-driven resynchronization from an external time base during measurement, with the seconds timer continuing to run until stopped and the minutes timer stopping at zero, facilitating error correction and seamless transition between timing phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the timer uses a simple countdown mechanism without storage capability, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to store programmed periods and correct errors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested storage structures where the first timer stores seconds and the second timer stores minutes, with the ability to nest multiple timing periods. The fly-back mechanism allows the timers to be reset and stored in a nested configuration, enabling multiple programmed periods to be stored within the same mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action through the fly-back mechanism that automatically resets the timers before each measurement period. The system performs preliminary storage of the programmed period and automatic reset preparation, allowing the timer to be ready for the next measurement without manual intervention and reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If the timer cannot be resynchronized during measurement, then the mechanism is simpler, but the ability to correct start-time errors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the resynchronization mechanism that allows the user to correct timing errors by resetting the timers during the measurement period. The system provides feedback about the current timing state and allows for correction, improving reliability while adding controlled complexity through the resynchronization capability.
3Ease of operation
If the minutes timer continues moving after the measured period, then the mechanism is simpler, but the ability to measure elapsed time since start is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics through the selective stopping mechanism where the minutes timer can be stopped at the end of the measured period while the seconds timer continues. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt its behavior based on the measurement phase, enabling elapsed time measurement while managing complexity through controlled timer operation.
Data Source
AI summary
This timekeeper comprises a first timer (4), means (12) for connecting it selectively to the train of the timekeeper (T), a second timer (5), a synchronous coupling between the first (4) and second (5) timers, and fly-back means (13, 13′, 9, 11) for said timers (4, 5). An auxiliary motive source (10′) is in a driving relationship with the second timer (5) and a one-way coupling (6a, 7a) is situated between the first (4) and second (5) timers to regulate the speed of movement of the latter at a predetermined ratio with the speed of movement of the first timer (4) while allowing one-way relative movement of the first timer (4) relative to the second (5) when the latter is in the stop position and one-way relative movement in the opposite sense of the second timer (5) when the first timer (4) is in the stop position.