Racing Control System Using Dynamic Pit Delays

Solution Overview

Problem

The traditional racing format, where the fastest cars start at the front and maintain their lead due to unfair starting conditions, results in predictable races and decreased fan excitement, as slower cars are not challenged enough, leading to a lack of competitive passing opportunities.

Innovation Solution

A method to alter racing parameters such as time, distance, or speed during the race to create a more competitive and fair starting situation, including delaying faster cars in the pit area or modifying their speed capabilities through engine, weight, tire, and aerodynamic changes, ensuring all cars have equal chances to pass and challenge each other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fastest cars are given the best starting position based on qualifying times, then safety is improved, but fan excitement and competitive passing opportunities deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidfan excitement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary actions by delaying faster cars during pit stops before the race concludes, rather than altering starting positions. This preliminary intervention during the race ensures safety is maintained while creating competitive opportunities, as the delay is applied based on real-time race dynamics rather than pre-race qualifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts race conditions by monitoring car speeds and applying delays to faster cars during pit stops. This dynamic approach allows the race conditions to change throughout the event, creating unpredictable outcomes and competitive passing opportunities while maintaining safety through controlled interventions rather than fixed starting arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the fastest cars start at the front of the pack, then the race structure is simplified, but competitive passing opportunities deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverace structureVSAvoidcompetitive passing opportunities

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary actions by delaying faster cars during pit stops before the race concludes, rather than altering starting positions. This preliminary intervention during the race ensures safety is maintained while creating competitive opportunities, as the delay is applied based on real-time race dynamics rather than pre-race qualifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of race participation by applying time delays to faster cars during pit stops. This parameter change affects which cars are delayed and for how long, based on their speed and position, thereby creating competitive passing opportunities without fundamentally altering the race structure or starting grid arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If qualifying times determine starting positions, then the race is fair based on skill, but the fastest cars extend their lead unchallenged

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefairnessVSAvoidrace competitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary actions by delaying faster cars during pit stops before the race concludes, rather than altering starting positions. This preliminary intervention during the race ensures safety is maintained while creating competitive opportunities, as the delay is applied based on real-time race dynamics rather than pre-race qualifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from real-time race data, including car speeds and positions, to dynamically determine which cars receive delays during pit stops. This feedback mechanism ensures that the delays are applied fairly based on actual race performance rather than pre-race qualifications, maintaining fairness while enhancing competitiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10035060B1Method and system for controlling auto races

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 SWYERS JOHN

AI summary

A method of conducting a racing competition among a plurality of race cars including conducting qualifying trials among the plurality race cars, arranging the race cars in qualifying order arrangement for the start of the race, altering at least one of time, distance or speed parameters of one or more of the plurality of race cars during the race, and determining the winner and order of race finish at the completion of the race based on the parameters.