Nested Channel Vertical Jump Measurement System with Detent Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical jump measuring devices are heavy, prone to corrosion, and difficult to use, leading to inaccurate and unreliable measurements due to the lack of rust prevention, telescopic capabilities, and clear numeric indicia.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, durable, and adjustable vertical jump measurement system with a nested channel assembly design, featuring rotatably coupled indicator members, a detent assembly for positive stops, and easy extension/retraction mechanisms, allowing for accurate and reproducible measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If telescopic steel tubes are used to support the indicator assembly, then the device can withstand the weight and moment arm forces, but the device becomes heavy and prone to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from steel to aluminum alloy, maintaining structural strength while reducing weight. The aluminum alloy is specifically selected to provide the necessary strength-to-weight ratio for supporting the indicator assembly and withstanding moment arm forces without the corrosion issues of steel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by anodizing the aluminum alloy tubes, creating a layered composite structure with the anodized coating providing corrosion protection and the aluminum base providing structural strength and light weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic steel tubes are used, then the device can be adjusted to different heights, but the tubes corrode and become difficult to extend and retract
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from steel to aluminum alloy with anodized coating, providing corrosion resistance while maintaining height adjustability. The anodized layer specifically protects against corrosion in the telescopic joints where moisture accumulation would normally cause rust.
Solution Approach 2:
The anodized aluminum alloy creates a composite material system where the porous anodized coating provides corrosion protection while the aluminum substrate maintains the telescopic functionality and height adjustability of the device.
3Measurement precision
If numeric indicia are etched into the telescopic steel tubes, then measurements can be recorded, but the etching is hard to read and hard to correlate to indicator positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the numeric indicia from the vertical dimension (etched on tubes) to the horizontal dimension (displayed on facing surfaces of indicators). This dimensional change allows athletes to read measurements at eye level without needing to correlate positions between separate components, significantly improving readability and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the measurement indication function into the indicator components themselves by displaying numeric indicia on their facing surfaces. This combines the indicator and measurement display into a single integrated element, eliminating the need to correlate separate tube etchings with indicator positions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device uses telescopic capabilities, then the device can be adjusted for different heights, but the mounting structures cannot achieve rigid joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating spring-loaded detent mechanisms that allow the telescopic tubes to move freely during adjustment but automatically lock into rigid, stable positions when extended. This dynamic system provides both the adaptability of telescopic adjustment and the stability of rigid joints at measurement positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism provides mechanical feedback through audible clicks and tactile resistance, confirming to the user when the telescopic tube has reached a stable, locked position. This feedback ensures that the mounting structure achieves rigid joints at each extension position while maintaining telescopic adjustability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention comprises a plurality of indicator members rotatably coupled to an inner slide assembly, the inner slide assembly coupled to an inner channel member, the inner channel member further coupled to an outer channel member. In this configuration, system is mounted to a mounting surface through the outer channel member, the inner channel member is configured in a first state to freely traverse along a vertical axis of the outer channel member and in configured in a second state fixed at a single point on the vertical axis, and inner slide assembly is configured in a first state to freely traverse along a vertical axis of the inner channel member and in a second state fixed at a single point on the vertical axis.