Impact-Activated Marking Cavity for Thrown Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the point of impact in throwing events, such as track and field, are limited by the accuracy, precision, efficiency, and safety of human spotters, especially on modern synthetic surfaces where visual spotting is unreliable and prone to interference, and lack accountability without a spotter's assistance.
Innovation Solution
A thrown object with cavities for storing a marking agent, which deploys the agent onto a second object upon impact, allowing for accurate, precise, and durable marking of the impact point, using various agents and deployment methods suitable for different throwing objects and surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visual spotting by a spotter is used to determine the point of impact, then the method can be implemented with simple equipment, but the accuracy and precision of marking the impact point deteriorates due to human error and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The thrown object itself performs the marking function through an integrated marking agent delivery mechanism. The marking agent is contained within the thrown object and is delivered automatically upon impact, eliminating the need for external human spotters to mark the impact point.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of visual spotting and physical marker placement is replaced by an automated marking system where the thrown object mechanically delivers marking agent through cavities and orifices upon impact, substituting human visual and manual operations with an automated physical mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a spotter manually marks the impact point, then the system remains simple, but the efficiency and time required for measurement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The marking agent is pre-positioned within cavities of the thrown object before the throwing event. Upon impact, the marking agent is automatically delivered to the impact point without requiring any preparatory actions by a spotter, thereby improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrown object automatically performs the marking function upon impact, eliminating the need for a spotter to visually identify and manually mark the impact point, thus significantly improving the efficiency of impact point determination.
3Ease of manufacture
If visual spotting is used on synthetic surfaces, then no additional equipment is needed, but the reliability of impact point detection deteriorates due to lack of physical marks and surface interference
Solution Approach 1:
The marking agent creates visible color changes or physical marks on the synthetic surface at the impact point, providing reliable visual identification of the impact location. The marking agent can be designed to contrast with the synthetic surface material, ensuring clear visibility and reliability of detection.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If spotters are used to ensure safety during spotting, then safety can be maintained, but the efficiency and accountability of the measurement process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thrown object performs the marking function automatically upon impact, eliminating the need for a spotter to be physically present at the impact zone. This maintains safety by removing the spotter from the hazardous throwing area while improving efficiency by automating the measurement process.
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 reliable, efficient, and safe marking of the impact point, enhancing the evaluation of throws without relying on human spotters and maintaining surface integrity, applicable to various throwing events and surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the cavities having an orifice through which the marking agent may pass and be deposited onto the second object upon impact of the first object with the second object
Data Source
AI summary
A marking system for use with competitively thrown objects such as discuses, shot puts, hammers and javelins. The marking system has a cavity which contains a marking agent which is automatically deposited from the cavity onto the ground when the thrown object hits the ground. Other embodiments are describes and shown.