Mechanical Pool Lap Counter With Self-Updating Touch Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Swimmers often lose count while counting laps manually, which disrupts their mental focus and exercise routine.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical lap counter device comprising a horizontal base plane, hinge, vertical count plane, and sliding counters on rods, allowing swimmers to track laps visually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual counting is used, then no additional device is needed, but the swimmer loses count and mental focus is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The lap counter device enables itself to be updated automatically. When the swimmer touches the water at the end of a lap, the corresponding end of the device (which extends into the pool) triggers the counter to advance without requiring manual intervention from the swimmer. This self-updating mechanism ensures accurate lap counting while keeping the swimmer's hands free and mental focus intact.
2Reliability
If a lap counter device is introduced, then accurate counting is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lap counter device is divided into distinct functional segments: a base plane that rests on the pool deck, a vertical count plane that displays the lap count, and horizontal rods that extend into the pool water. Each segment performs a specific function, and the segmentation allows the device to be compact when folded (for portability) yet functional when deployed. This modular approach reduces overall complexity while maintaining counting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system that connects the swimmer's action (touching the water) to the counting mechanism. Instead of requiring direct manual operation or complex electronics, a simple mechanical intermediary (the rod extending into the water that triggers the counter when submerged) translates the swimmer's lap completion into a count increment, simplifying the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If the device is made compact for portability, then ease of transport improves, but the operational space may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lap counter device transitions dynamically between two states: a compact folded state for portability and storage, and an extended operational state for use at the pool. The hinge mechanism allows the base plane and vertical count plane to fold parallel to each other, minimizing footprint when not in use. When deployed, the rods extend horizontally into the pool, providing the necessary operational space without requiring a large permanent footprint on the pool deck.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is an inexpensive, easy-to-use, and easy-to-manufacture device that can be placed on the edge of a pool so that a swimmer can use it to count laps without significantly disrupting the swimming. The invention is lightweight and portable so that one person can carry it around, place it on the pool before swimming laps, and remove it afterwards.