Pool-Mounted Bracket for Tethered Swim Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tethered resistance swim training systems require substantial and expensive materials for the tower structure to prevent tipping and withstand corrosive environments, limiting configuration options and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A mounted bracket replaces the tower, using less structural material and allowing for adjustable configurations, including an L-shaped design with a gusset plate for elastic cord attachment and adjustable clamping mechanisms, reducing material costs and expanding height options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a substantial tower structure is used to hold and guide the weight, then the tower can withstand applied forces and prevent tipping, but the material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of the tower (providing mounting points and guidance) and separates it from the massive structural support function. By using a small bracket mounted to an existing pool structure rather than building a complete tower, the system achieves the necessary structural strength with minimal material, dramatically reducing cost while maintaining the ability to withstand applied forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design incorporates multiple functions: it provides mounting points for pulleys, serves as an anchor for elastic cords, and can be mounted to various existing pool structures. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural components, reducing overall material requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed tower structure is used, then the tower provides stable support, but the configuration options and height adjustments are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system transitions from a fixed, rigid tower structure to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The bracket can be mounted at various locations on existing structures, and the cord length, pulley positions, and elastic cord attachments can be adjusted to create different exercise configurations, maintaining stability while enabling versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the tower function into separate, independent components: the bracket provides mounting, the pulleys provide guidance, and the cords provide flexibility. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and adjusted without affecting the entire structure, enhancing both stability and adaptability.
3Reliability
If corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel are used for the tower, then the tower can withstand the corrosive pool environment, but the material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as a small, simple component that can be made from inexpensive materials. Rather than using expensive stainless steel throughout, the system uses a minimal bracket structure that can be protected with simple corrosion protection methods, accepting that the bracket may need replacement but significantly reducing initial material cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines materials strategically: the bracket can use aluminum or treated wood for the structure, with stainless steel or plastic only where directly contacting water or bearing loads. This composite approach provides necessary corrosion resistance at critical points while using cheaper materials for non-critical components.
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 solution reduces material costs and enhances configuration flexibility while maintaining structural integrity and resistance options, making the system more economical and versatile.
Implementation Method 1
pulling the free end of the cord moves the container upward against gravity
Implementation Method 2
an operational assembly comprising at least one upper pulley attached to the bracket and at least one lower pulley attached to the container, a cord passing through the at least one upper pulley and the at least one lower pulley
Implementation Method 3
the bracket includes a gusset plate with an elongated hole for attaching elastic cords for additional resistance options
Data Source
AI summary
An aquatic exercise apparatus for applying a resistive force to an exercising swimmer, the apparatus includes a bracket mounted to a vertically oriented surface located above a pool of water, a container, an operational assembly comprising at least one upper pulley attached to the bracket and at least one lower pulley attached to the container, a cord passing through the at least one upper pulley and the at least one lower pulley, and a fastener configured to attach to an exercising swimmer, where the fastener is attached to a free end of the cord, and where pulling the free end of the cord moves the container upward against gravity.