Swimming Pool Timing Component Detection and Connection Validation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic timing systems in swimming pools face challenges with corrosion from pool water chemicals, incorrect connection insertions, and lack of real-time connection validation, leading to system malfunctions and errors during competitions.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that uses a connection mechanism with a communication component and processor to detect and identify correctly connected timing components by sending step voltage signals and comparing responses to characteristic signatures, preventing incorrect plug-ins and monitoring connection status and component changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If banana plugs are used to provide robust connection, then connection reliability is improved, but the lack of key system allows incorrect insertion into jacks causing system malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of correct connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plug connector incorporates an asymmetric keying mechanism where the physical geometry of the plug (with protrusions and contours) corresponds precisely to matching features in the jack. This asymmetric design mechanically prevents insertion of incorrect plugs into wrong jacks, while correct plugs align perfectly with their designated receptacles, solving both reliability and ease of operation concerns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If connector hubs are placed close to swim lane beginnings and ends, then ease of installation is improved, but they are repeatedly splashed with corrosive pool water accelerating degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidcorrosion from pool chemicals

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector hub is enclosed in a waterproof housing with corrosion-resistant materials. The housing acts as a protective shell that isolates electrical connectors from corrosive pool water, while still allowing the hub to be positioned near swim lanes for easy installation. The housing may include sealing elements and corrosion-resistant alloys to maintain protection against chemical exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Measurement precision

If manual connection validation tests are performed, then connection accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases during meet setup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidtime for connection validation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The timing system automatically validates all connections by having each timing component respond to identification signals from the system controller. The system self-tests connection integrity and component functionality without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining high connection accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manual validation procedures during meet setup

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11192016B2Apparatus and method for the detection of timing components in swimming pools

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 EVERLAST CLIMBING IND INC

AI summary

Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method to detect timing components of a timing system. A processor sends signals to timing components and compares the responses with each other and with stored characteristic responses to detect if a timing component is present, if its characteristics have changed, to identify the connected timing component, and, if communication protocols are used, exchange data.