Spiked Takeoff Marker Assembly for Track Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing track and field takeoff point markers, such as adhesive tape and light beam indicators, lack personalization, are not suitable for rainy or humid conditions, and fail to provide a durable marking solution that can be easily reused.

Innovation Solution

A planar member with a bottom surface featuring a plurality of spikes, which can be inserted into the track surface, and removable conical covers to secure the spikes, allowing for customizable printing on the top surface for personal identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If adhesive tape is used to mark the takeoff point, then the marking can be easily applied, but it does not stick readily in rainy or humid conditions and can be easily lost or moved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applicationVSAvoidadhesion in moist conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the adhesive chemical bonding mechanism with a mechanical anchoring system. The marker uses spikes that physically penetrate the track surface to secure the marker in place, eliminating reliance on adhesive properties that fail in moist conditions. This mechanical substitution ensures reliable positioning regardless of weather conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If off-the-shelf adhesive tape is used, then the marker is simple and inexpensive, but it lacks personalization and causes confusion between competing athletes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity and costVSAvoidpersonalization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding customizable graphical elements, athlete names, or identifiers to specific regions of the marker surface. This allows the base marker structure to remain simple and inexpensive while enabling personalization in specific areas, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while eliminating athlete confusion through unique identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If a light beam indicator is used to determine the takeoff point, then the position can be accurately detected, but it fails to provide a mechanism to mark a takeoff point for a future jump

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetakeoff point detection accuracyVSAvoidmarking capability for future use

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a physical marker as an intermediary between the light beam detection system and the athlete. The marker serves as a tangible reference that athletes can see and use for positioning before their jump, while the light beam system continues to provide accurate detection. This intermediary bridges the gap between precise measurement and practical marking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10391379B2Takeoff point marker assembly

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 WILKINS RONALD

AI summary

A device for marking a starting point on a running track. A plurality of spikes is affixed to a bottom surface of a planar member. A top surface of the planar member can receive print thereon. The plurality of spikes can be inserted into a running track. A plurality of conical covers houses the plurality of spikes when the plurality of spikes is not inserted into a running track. The planar member can be rectangular with a spike disposed in each corner on the bottom surface.