Running Analysis Device Swing Phase Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing running analysis methods fail to effectively increase running speed by solely reducing ground contact time without altering stride components, as this does not directly contribute to stride lengthening and increased speed.

Innovation Solution

A running analysis device and method that identifies and analyzes the backward and forward swing periods within a running cycle using an acceleration sensor attached to the user, allowing for evaluation and training to optimize these periods to enhance running speed, by integrating acceleration signals to determine most sinking timings and separating swing phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If ground contact time is reduced, then running speed may increase, but stride length does not increase and the component ratio of stride merely changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverunning speedVSAvoidstride length
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The running cycle is segmented into multiple phases: stance phase, swing phase, backward swing period, and forward swing period. By dividing the swing phase into backward and forward components, the patent enables targeted analysis and training of specific movement segments. This segmentation allows runners to optimize the forward swing period for stride lengthening while managing the backward swing period, rather than simply reducing ground contact time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic evaluation indicators (backward swing period and forward swing period) that allow runners to adapt their running technique in real-time. By monitoring these dynamic parameters, runners can adjust their leg swing characteristics during training and competition to optimize both speed and stride length based on varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If ground contact time is reduced to increase running speed, then running speed may improve, but without altering stride components the effect is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverunning speedVSAvoidrunning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by measuring and analyzing backward swing period and forward swing period, then providing this information to runners for technique adjustment. This feedback loop enables continuous optimization of running efficiency, allowing runners to understand the relationship between swing phase characteristics and running performance, and make informed adjustments to improve both speed and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the evaluation parameters from simple ground contact time to more comprehensive indicators including backward swing period and forward swing period. By monitoring these parameter changes, runners can optimize their running technique to achieve better speed and efficiency outcomes, moving beyond the limited metric of ground contact time reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If hang time is extended while step frequency is kept, then ground contact time rate is reduced, but new evaluation indicators are needed for effective stride lengthening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehang timeVSAvoidevaluation information
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of swing phase characteristics by measuring backward and forward swing periods before actual running performance evaluation. This preliminary action provides runners with baseline data and training targets, enabling them to prepare optimal swing phase patterns that will enhance stride lengthening and improve overall running performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces new evaluation parameters (backward swing period and forward swing period) that provide comprehensive information about swing phase characteristics. These parameter changes replace the insufficient ground contact time metric with detailed temporal breakdowns that give runners actionable information for optimizing hang time and stride lengthening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient evaluation and training to shorten the backward swing period while lengthening the forward swing period, thereby increasing running speed without reducing stance phase stride, as demonstrated by improved stride length and reduced braking during ground contact.

Implementation Method 1

output results of an acceleration sensor in the moving direction and the vertical direction when a person walks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensor detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3327725B1Running analysis device, running analysis method and running analysis program
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • EP3327725B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3327725B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3327725B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A running analysis device includes an analyzer. The analyzer analyzes running of a user using sensor data output from a sensor attached to the user. The analyzer includes an indicator identifying unit. The indicator identifying unit identifies, in a swing phase in a running cycle, a period that serves as an indicator for increasing the running speed.