Submerged Touch-Sensitive Lap Counter for Swimming Pools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lap counting systems for swimming pools lack an efficient and user-friendly method to record and time laps, as they are not designed to be submerged in water and require manual interaction, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A lap counting device with a tracking unit attached to the pool's inner surface, featuring a touch-sensitive display and electronic timer, allowing swimmers to record and time laps by interacting with the unit as they swim, with a housing that includes suction cups for secure attachment and a waterproof design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual lap counting system is used, then the device structure is simple, but the operation convenience deteriorates as swimmers must manually interact with the device
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking unit automatically detects when a swimmer completes a lap by sensing the swimmer's presence or touch, eliminating the need for manual interaction. The system records and times laps automatically, allowing the device to serve itself rather than requiring swimmer intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction with electronic sensing and automated timing systems. The tracking unit uses sensors to detect swimmer passage and electronic circuits to automatically record and time laps, substituting mechanical manual operations with automated electronic systems.
2Ease of operation
If the tracking unit is positioned on the inside surface of the pool wall, then the accessibility to swimmers is improved, but the device stability deteriorates due to water exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking unit is enclosed in a waterproof housing that protects internal electronic components from water exposure. This flexible protective shell allows the device to be positioned in the water environment while maintaining structural integrity and preventing water damage to sensitive electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary waterproof housing between the tracking unit electronics and the water environment. This protective barrier allows the device to function in water while isolating the electronic components from direct water exposure, maintaining both accessibility and stability.
3Ease of operation
If the tracking unit is submerged in water, then the accessibility and user experience are improved, but the device complexity increases due to waterproofing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking unit employs a waterproof housing design that encloses all electronic components, allowing the device to be submerged in water while protecting internal systems. This shell-based waterproofing approach enables water submersion without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
4Productivity
If manual lap counting is required, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the time consumption increases for recording and timing laps
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking unit automatically detects, records, and times laps without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors swimmer passage, automatically updates lap counts, and maintains timing records, eliminating the time loss associated with manual lap counting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous automated monitoring and recording of laps as swimmers complete them. The system maintains continuous timing and counting operations without interruption or manual reset, ensuring uninterrupted lap recording and eliminating time losses between laps.
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 accurate and convenient lap counting and timing, allowing swimmers to focus on their performance without manual interference, while the device remains functional and easy to use underwater.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment may comprise a plurality of suction cups and the suction cups may be spaced apart from each other and distributed on the back wall. Each of the suction cups may suctionally engage the inside surface of the pool
Data Source
AI summary
A lap counting system includes a pool that has an outer wall. The outer wall has an inside surface and the pool may contain a liquid. A tracking unit is coupled to the pool. The tracking unit is positioned on the inside surface such that the tracking unit may be submerged in the liquid. Thus, the tracking unit is accessible to a swimmer. The tracking unit is sensitive to touch such that the tracking unit may be engaged by the swimmer each time the swimmer completes a lap in the pool. Thus, the tracking unit records and times each lap swam by the swimmer.