Multi-Entity Timing Device with Automatic Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual timekeeping devices struggle to efficiently record and manage individual start and stop times for multiple entities starting at different times, requiring multiple devices or complex manual calculations, which can be confusing and impractical for operators.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a single actuator with multiple kinds of manual actuations during the start phase to record individual start times for multiple entities, allowing for automatic assignment and later manual reassignment of times, enabling simultaneous timing of multiple entities with reduced operator complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate stopwatches are used to time multiple entities starting at different times, then individual start and stop times for each entity can be recorded accurately, but the device complexity and operator confusion increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple timing functions into a single stopwatch device. The single stopwatch can record individual start times for multiple entities by utilizing the memory function to store multiple time values, eliminating the need for multiple separate stopwatches while maintaining accurate individual timing for each entity
Solution Approach 2:
The stopwatch is designed with multi-functionality to handle various timing scenarios. It can switch between different modes (single timing, multiple entity timing, lap timing) and uses a unified button interface that adapts its function based on the current timing phase, allowing one device to perform what previously required multiple specialized devices
2Device complexity
If a single stopwatch is used to time multiple entities, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accurately record and differentiate individual start times for entities starting at different times deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a clear phase-based timing structure. Before recording individual entity times, the system first records a master start time. This preliminary time reference enables the subsequent calculation of individual entity start times by subtracting the master start time from each entity's recorded time, ensuring accurate differentiation even with a single device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method. Instead of directly recording and comparing absolute timestamps, the system uses time intervals relative to the master start time as an intermediary. This intermediary approach simplifies the differentiation of individual entity times while maintaining precision, as each entity's time is expressed as an offset from the common reference point
3Measurement precision
If operators must determine the specific entity being measured at the moment of actuation, then measurement accuracy may improve, but the ease of operation and response time deteriorate due to additional cognitive load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling automatic entity assignment. The system automatically associates each recorded time with the appropriate entity based on the current timing phase and pre-configured entity information, eliminating the need for the operator to manually determine or specify which entity is being timed at the moment of actuation. The operator simply presses the button when the event occurs, and the system handles the rest
Data Source
AI summary
A method for simultaneously timing multiple entities uses a timekeeping device. During timing, each of the multiple entities runs through a process starting with a start time event in a start phase followed by at least one subsequent time event in a run phase. The method comprises the following steps. In the start phase, when a first start time event occurs, a first actuator is manually actuated and the manual actuation triggers the measuring and recording of a first start time by a time measuring means. In the run phase following the start phase, when a subsequent time event occurs, the first actuator is manually actuated and the manual actuation triggers the measuring and recording of a subsequent time by the time measuring means. The timekeeping device also includes an assignment means and a second actuator.