Single-Handed Overspeed Trainer Tether Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overspeed trainers require both hands to activate the release mechanism, are noisy, and often leave a tether tail that can cause entanglement or interference during training.
Innovation Solution
A single-handed overspeed trainer system with a quiet tether detachment mechanism that eliminates the tether tail, using an adjustable belt, a cable release mechanism, and a wrist-secured handle to allow for one-handed operation and seamless detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional release mechanisms are used, then the tether can be detached, but both hands are required to activate the release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is designed to automatically release the tether when the athlete pulls against it with sufficient force. The system serves itself by using the athlete's own pulling action to trigger the release, eliminating the need for the trainer to manually activate a release mechanism. This is achieved through a spring-loaded release mechanism that engages when the tether is attached and automatically disengages when excessive force is applied during normal training.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional release mechanisms are used, then the tether can be detached, but they are quite noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The noisy aspect of traditional release mechanisms is extracted and eliminated by using a spring-loaded mechanism that silently engages and disengages. The release mechanism uses a spring that compresses when the tether is attached and expands silently when it releases, avoiding the loud clicks and snaps of traditional mechanical releases. This allows the athlete to focus on training without distraction from noise.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional tether systems are used, then the athlete can be tethered, but a tail portion remains that can catch on items or become entangled
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic tail portion is completely extracted from the tether system. The invention uses a loop tether that attaches directly to the athlete's waist without leaving any excess tail. The loop design allows the tether to be securely attached and then completely retracted or discarded after use, eliminating any risk of entanglement or interference with training equipment.
4Reliability
If the release mechanism is made quiet, then the athlete cannot anticipate release, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism uses the athlete's own pulling force as the trigger, making it inherently unpredictable and reliable. Since the release is activated by the athlete's training action itself rather than by the trainer's manual operation, the timing is completely random and cannot be anticipated. The spring-loaded mechanism provides consistent, reliable release every time the threshold force is reached, without requiring complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A single-handed overspeed trainer system that detachably tethers an athlete to a trainer through a substantially quiet, non-hook and loop material, release structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the athlete wears a belt with a substantially rigid loop extending therefrom. The trainer holds one end of a tether that contains a retractable pin toward its opposite end. The pin holds the rigid loop of the belt until the pin is retracted by the trainer, preferably when the tether's handle is released by the trainer.