Quick Start Training Aid for Track Athletes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sporting apparatuses fail to provide a simple, effective, and reliable means to improve starting techniques and increase speed for track and field athletes when leaving the blocks, while being cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A quick start training aid system comprising a wearable accessory that promotes proper head-to-chest alignment and a starting blocks assembly with ½ spheres that compress and decompress to provide resistance, helping athletes develop correct starting techniques and increase speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex training apparatus are used to improve starting techniques, then training effectiveness may improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The training system is divided into separate functional components: starting blocks with spherical elements, a wearable chest alignment device, and resistance bands. Each component addresses a specific aspect of starting technique independently, allowing for simplified manufacturing and assembly while maintaining comprehensive training functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive materials such as spherical elements (balls) placed on starting blocks, basic wearable accessories with chest straps, and standard resistance bands. These components are designed to be cost-effective and easily replaceable, avoiding complex mechanical systems while achieving reliable training results.
2Ease of operation
If traditional starting blocks are used, then athletes can practice starts, but they cannot effectively develop proper head-to-chest alignment and propulsion technique
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable chest alignment device serves as an intermediary tool between the athlete and the starting blocks. It provides tactile feedback and physical guidance to enforce proper head-to-chest alignment during the start, bridging the gap between simple block placement and precise alignment control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates immediate tactile feedback through the wearable device and spherical elements on the blocks. When the athlete achieves proper alignment and propulsion technique, the spherical elements compress and release, providing sensory feedback that reinforces correct form and alignment.
3Speed
If athletes focus on speed and power, then starting performance improves, but proper technique and form may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable chest alignment device is positioned and adjusted before the athlete begins the start sequence. This preliminary setup ensures proper head-to-chest alignment is established before the athlete generates force, preventing form breakdown during the explosive movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical elements on the starting blocks change their physical state (compressed to released) in response to the athlete's applied force. This dynamic parameter change provides real-time feedback that helps the athlete maintain proper posture stability while generating speed and power.
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 system enhances the efficiency and speed of runners by promoting proper starting techniques, preventing false starts, and allowing athletes to develop muscle memory for optimal propulsion, making it a cost-effective solution for track and field athletes.
Implementation Method 1
a left 1⁄2 sphere located on the left block and a right 1⁄2 sphere located on the right block, each forwardly-facing so as to contact a left shoe and a right shoe respectively of the user when positioned for starting, the left 1⁄2 sphere and the right 1⁄2 sphere are mounted normally in a tensioned state
Data Source
AI summary
An athletic aid specially designed for track and field participants. Design intent is to provide a simple yet effective tool in improving starting techniques and increasing speed when coming out of starting blocks. Resistance means is provided. Further, proper muscle memory is promoted via a chin.