Underwater LED Pace Rope for Uniform Swimmer Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimmer pacing systems face challenges in maintaining uniform LED spacing and illumination across the varying depths of a swimming pool, particularly in deep ends where the horizontal space between LEDs increases, affecting the accuracy and consistency of pace indication for swimmers.
Innovation Solution
A flexible LED rope system with a translucent plastic tube and ribbon cable, anchored at both ends of the pool, featuring tension members to maintain horizontal positioning and uniform spacing, and a microcontroller for adjustable LED illumination, ensuring consistent pace indication across the entire pool length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If LEDs are uniformly spaced along the pool length, then the horizontal space between LEDs increases in the deep end, but maintaining uniform spacing is required for consistent pace indication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the vertical depth of LEDs along the pool length. In the shallow end, LEDs are positioned at a greater vertical depth, while in the deep end, LEDs are positioned at a lesser vertical depth. This local adjustment compensates for the changing horizontal distance between LEDs, maintaining consistent apparent spacing for swimmers throughout the pool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal spacing problem to a three-dimensional solution by adjusting the vertical depth dimension. Instead of maintaining constant horizontal spacing, the system varies vertical depth to achieve consistent apparent spacing, effectively using the depth dimension to solve the horizontal spacing issue.
2Manufacturing precision
If LEDs are positioned at constant depth from the water surface, then tension force is required to hold LEDs above the pool floor in deeper portions, but this complicates the system structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by not maintaining constant depth from the water surface. Instead, LEDs are positioned at varying vertical depths relative to the water surface, with greater depth in the shallow end and lesser depth in the deep end. This inversion eliminates the need for tension forces to maintain constant depth positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the depth parameter dynamically along the pool length rather than keeping it constant. The vertical depth parameter varies continuously or in steps from the shallow end to the deep end, adapting to the pool's depth profile and eliminating the need for additional tensioning mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If LED rope is anchored at both ends of the pool, then uniform horizontal positioning is maintained, but adaptability to different pool sizes and depths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the LED vertical depth positions adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically reconfigure the vertical depth of LEDs along the pool length to adapt to different pool sizes and depth profiles while maintaining proper horizontal spacing appearance, allowing the same anchored rope to serve multiple pool configurations.
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
The system provides a consistent and accurate pace indication for swimmers across the pool, regardless of depth, enhancing training efficiency and accuracy by maintaining uniform LED spacing and illumination, adaptable to different pool sizes and depths.
Implementation Method 1
A translucent and flexible plastic tube extends from the first end to the second end of the LED rope
Implementation Method 2
A transparent silicone encases the LED rope in each rope section, from the first end to the second end of the LED rope
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of LEDs are attached to the ground wire and the power wire. The control wire is excited to illuminate the LEDs one LED at a time in an adjustable pace
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus includes a light emitting pace rope positioned under water that shows where the swimmer should be to move at a selected pace. The LED rope includes a ribbon cable with ground, power and control wires. Equally space LEDs are attached to the ground and power wires along the cable. The cable and LEDs are received in a transparent plastic tube couplers are attached to the cable ends. The plastic tube is encased in transparent silicone. Ends of the LED rope are attached opposite pool end walls. A power supply is connected to a coupler. A micro-controller provided signals to the control wire which provides additional power to illuminate the LEDs one at a time at the selected pace. Additional LEDs are provided to continue the pace in the opposite direction.