Smart Pulley for Quantitative Swim Training Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tethered resistance swim training systems fail to provide quantitative measures of swimming performance, such as force, power, or impulse, lacking the ability to effectively assess a swimmer's performance during exercise.
Innovation Solution
A tethered resistance swim training apparatus equipped with a 'smart pulley' featuring an electronic tachometer to measure pulley rotations and a strain gauge or load cell to measure force, allowing for the calculation of power and other performance metrics, with optional wireless communication and an integrated microcontroller, display, and battery power for data processing and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tethered resistance swim training systems are used, then the training can be performed, but quantitative measurement of swimming performance metrics is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (tachometer for rotation measurement, strain gauge for force measurement) into a single integrated pulley system. The pulley serves both as a mechanical component for resistance training and as a measurement platform, merging the training function with the measurement function in one device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart pulley system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides resistance training through the mechanical pulley mechanism while also measuring rotation speed, force, and calculating power output. The same pulley structure serves both as the training resistance mechanism and as the measurement platform, making the device multi-functional.
2Loss of information
If sensors and electronic components are added to measure performance metrics, then quantitative data is obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microcontroller unit as an intermediary that processes signals from the tachometer and strain gauge, calculates performance metrics, and transmits data wirelessly. This intermediary component consolidates the electronic functionality, reducing the need for multiple separate electronic systems and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensors and digital processing. Instead of using mechanical dial indicators or physical measurement devices, the system uses electronic tachometers and strain gauges connected to a microcontroller, which processes and transmits data wirelessly, simplifying the mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication and processing components are integrated into the pulley, then data can be displayed in real-time, but the weight of the pulley system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a microcontroller that can operate in different modes or states, processing data locally when needed and potentially reducing power consumption during transmission. The system adjusts its operational parameters based on requirements, allowing real-time display functionality while managing the weight constraint through efficient electronic component selection and power management.
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 the quantitative measurement of swimming performance metrics like power and force, providing coaches and swimmers with valuable data for improvement, enhancing training effectiveness and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The tachometer measures the rotation of the pulley wheel
Implementation Method 2
The tachometer measures the rotation of the pulley wheel
Implementation Method 3
the strain gauge measures the force pulling on the body of the pulley
Implementation Method 4
A load cell or similar can be used in place of a strain gauge
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a tethered resistance swim training apparatus with a pulley that includes an electronic tachometer to measure the rotations of the wheel of the pulley and strain gauge to measure the force pulling on the body of the pulley. The pulley, also referred to as “smart pulley”, can be implemented in many tethered swim training apparatuses of different arrangements. With the tachometer and strain gauge the power and other performance metrics can be calculated while a swimmer is using the apparatus. A load cell or similar can be used in place of a strain gauge. The sensors may be connected via wired or wireless communications to a computer (tablet, laptop, personal computer, server, or the like) for processing of the signals and display on an electronic display.