Starting Block Unidirectional Force Sensor Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current starting devices for sports competitions, such as athletics and swimming, face challenges in precisely measuring response time due to non-unidirectional movement of the block and dependence on the force applied, leading to imprecision and potential false start detection issues.
Innovation Solution
A starting device featuring an H-shaped structure with a central bar that activates a detection sensor through controlled bending, ensuring unidirectional force application and precise response time measurement, independent of the force value applied, using a force sensor connected to an electronic processing circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple electric switch sensor is used in the starting block, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of response time deteriorates due to non-unidirectional block movement and force threshold adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
A unidirectional activation mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the foot block and the force sensor. This mechanism ensures that only forward movement (push-off direction) activates the sensor, while backward movement during positioning does not trigger it. The intermediary converts multidirectional block movement into unidirectional sensor activation, resolving the contradiction between simple sensor design and precise measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detection sensor is adjusted according to force threshold, then the device can adapt to different competitors, but the measurement precision deteriorates because competitors may apply constant force before the start signal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration to determine each competitor's typical positioning force, then uses this information to set an appropriate force threshold for that specific competitor. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt to individual competitors while maintaining measurement precision by accounting for their specific force application patterns during the positioning phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by monitoring force application patterns and using this information to adjust the detection threshold dynamically. The feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from each competitor's positioning behavior and distinguish between positioning force and genuine start force, thereby maintaining both adaptability and measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If the block is allowed to move backward during positioning, then the ease of operation is improved for competitors getting into position, but the measurement precision of response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A unidirectional activation mechanism serves as an intermediary that allows the block to move freely in both directions for ease of positioning, but only transmits force in the forward push-off direction to the sensor. This resolves the contradiction by decoupling the block's movement freedom from the sensor's activation condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the force transmission path into two functional parts: the block movement mechanism (allowing bidirectional movement for ease of operation) and the sensor activation mechanism (responding only to unidirectional push-off force). This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function independently.
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 precise measurement of response time and early detection of false starts, reducing the minimum time limit for false start detection and providing consistent results across different competitors, regardless of their strength.
Implementation Method 1
a central bar connecting the two strips can be pushed in a preferred direction via the bending of the two strips to activate the detection sensor when a force is applied against the block by at least one foot of a competitor
Data Source
AI summary
The competitor starting device in a sports competition is a starting block device. It includes one rear base for holding the device on a competition surface, a force detection sensor connected to a processing circuit, and two starting blocks for competitor's feet. Each block is adjustably mounted on a longitudinal bar, which is connected to the base and activates the sensor to determine a response time at the competition start. The longitudinal bar is connected to an H-shaped structure having two strips, spaced apart. The strip ends are rigidly connected to an immobile portion of the rear base, while a central bar connecting the strips is secured to the rear end of the longitudinal bar. When a force is applied to the block(s), the central bar is pushed in one direction via the bending of the strips to activate the sensor to determine a response time at the competition start.