Swim-in-Place Bathing Unit Control via Wearable Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swim-in-place bathing unit systems require users to manually adjust the water flow intensity by ceasing their workout and navigating a menu-driven interface, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system that establishes a communication link between the bathing unit system and a wearable auxiliary device, allowing for real-time adjustment of propulsion assembly settings based on user data such as identification, activity, and vital signs, enabling automatic adjustment of water flow intensity without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual menu-driven interface is used for adjusting water flow intensity, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical menu-driven interface with an optical/electronic wireless communication system. The auxiliary device uses wireless signals (optical/electromagnetic) to transmit control commands to the bathing unit system, eliminating the need for manual navigation through menu interfaces and enabling direct, intuitive control of water flow intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an auxiliary device as an intermediary between the user and the bathing unit system. This intermediary device captures user intent and translates it into control signals that adjust water flow intensity, serving as a mediator that simplifies the interaction while maintaining precise control.
2Device complexity
If manual menu navigation is required for adjusting propulsion settings, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary device is pre-configured with user profiles and control parameters before the swimming session begins. This preliminary setup allows the system to automatically select and adjust appropriate propulsion settings without requiring real-time manual navigation through menus, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the auxiliary device automatically transmits control commands to adjust water flow intensity based on user needs. The bathing unit system autonomously responds to these commands, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of vital signs is implemented, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of vital signs through the auxiliary device rather than continuous monitoring. The device periodically captures and transmits vital sign data to the bathing unit system, maintaining reliable health monitoring while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring. This periodic action allows the system to detect changes in user condition and adjust propulsion settings accordingly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system are described for operating a bathing unit system to provide swim-in-place functionality to a swimmer. A communication link is established between the bathing unit system and an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer. A signal conveying information associated with the swimmer and originating from the auxiliary device is received. Control signals for controlling operational settings associated with a propulsion assembly of the bathing unit system are derived at least in part by processing the information conveyed by the signal originating from the auxiliary device. The control signals are then released to control the operational settings associated with the propulsion assembly. In another aspect, a graphic display is provided presenting the user with a customized set of selectable swim-in-place configurations derived at least in part by processing a signal originating from an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer.