Suspended Swimming Lane Marker for Backstroke Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backstroke swimmers in swimming pools face difficulty in maintaining their position within a lane without visual cues, as conventional floating lane markers are ineffective for this stroke, requiring constant physical adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A swimming lane marker system comprising a suspended strap with indicia or a laser light beam that provides visual guidance, allowing swimmers to maintain lane alignment without relying on physical contact with markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional floating lane markers are used, then swimmers can see the markers and align themselves, but backstroke swimmers cannot rely on visual input and must constantly adjust position by physical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the visual reference from the water surface level (conventional floating markers) to above the water surface (suspended line with indicia). This dimensional change allows backstroke swimmers to see the lane position while their heads are above water, eliminating the need for constant physical adjustment of floating markers.
2Loss of information
If floating lane markers are used, then the lane is visually defined for frontstroke swimmers, but backstroke swimmers lack visual cues and must touch markers to maintain position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual reference system (suspended line with indicia) that provides continuous visual feedback to backstroke swimmers. This intermediary allows swimmers to maintain lane position through visual guidance rather than physical contact, reducing information loss about their position.
3Reliability
If backstroke swimmers constantly adjust position by touching lane markers, then they can maintain lane alignment, but swimming efficiency and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (touching floating markers) with an optical information system (suspended line with indicia visible above water). This substitution allows backstroke swimmers to maintain reliable lane position through visual feedback without the mechanical disruption of touching markers, thereby improving swimming efficiency and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A marker is provided for a swimming lane extending a length of a pool. The pool includes sidewalls connecting end walls for defining a swimming area holding water. The marker comprises a line and means for suspending the line over the water in the swimming area. The line provides a visual indication of the position of the swimming lane in the swimming area.