Sensor Feedback for Synchronized Rowing Stroke Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inconsistent timing among rowers during the 'catch' and 'finish' stages in rowing negatively impacts performance, and existing synchronization methods, such as coxswain instructions and timing devices, fail to provide effective feedback for synchronization.
Innovation Solution
Deploy sensors to monitor key events in the rowing stroke cycle, including 'catch', 'finish', and additional events during the 'recovery' phase, and provide real-time feedback to rowers to adjust their actions for synchronization, using laser-based distance sensors, visual sensors, and oarlock sensors to compare actual timings with instructed timings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed to monitor rowing events, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the rowing monitoring task into multiple specialized sensors: oarlock sensors for catch/finish detection, visual sensors for recovery phase events, and laser-based distance sensors for positioning. Each sensor type is optimized for specific measurement needs, improving overall timing precision while allowing modular system configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The central unit serves multiple functions: it receives data from diverse sensor types, processes timing information, generates synchronization instructions, and provides feedback to rowers. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single coordination hub rather than requiring separate systems for each function
2Stability of the object's composition
If real-time feedback is provided to rowers, then synchronization is improved, but loss of time increases due to processing and communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates ideal stroke timings and generates synchronization instructions before the rowing cycle begins. The central unit determines target timings for catch, finish, and recovery events in advance, allowing rowers to anticipate rather than react to timing adjustments, thereby reducing perceived feedback delay
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual stroke timings and compares them with target timings, then provides real-time feedback to rowers through visual or auditory signals. This closed-loop feedback allows dynamic adjustment of stroke timing to maintain synchronization, with the central unit optimizing feedback delivery to minimize disruption to the rowing rhythm
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
Enhances synchronization by providing personalized feedback to rowers, improving their timing accuracy and maximizing the speed of the rowboat through synchronized rowing.
Implementation Method 1
using laser-based distance sensors, visual sensors, and oarlock sensors to compare actual timings with instructed timings
Data Source
AI summary
The present teaching relates to methods for synchronizing rowers in rowing. A synchronization timing instruction is generated based on a stroke rate as a stroke cycle with multiple timings for corresponding events to occur and used to facilitate synchronization across multiple rowers on the events in each stroke cycle based on the timings in the instruction. For each of the events and a timing specified in the instruction, an actual timing for the event related to each rower is received from a sensor and used to determine a synchronization status of the rower on the event in comparison with the timing for the event as provided by the instruction. The synchronization status on each event with respect to each rower is signaled to the rower.