Swim-In-Place Propulsion Control Using Wearable Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swim-in-place bathing unit systems require users to manually adjust water flow intensity during workouts, which is inconvenient and time-consuming, as they need to stop swimming and navigate a menu-driven interface to change settings.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system that establishes a communication link between the bathing unit system and a wearable or implanted auxiliary device, allowing for real-time adjustment of propulsion assembly settings based on user data, such as heart rate or swimming activity, to dynamically control water flow intensity without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of water flow intensity is implemented through menu-driven interface, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts water flow intensity based on data from the auxiliary device (heart rate, activity level) without requiring user intervention. The control system processes the received data and autonomously modifies propulsion assembly settings, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the auxiliary device continuously monitors user physiological data, transmits it to the control system, which then adjusts water flow intensity accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to user needs while maintaining precise control.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of water flow intensity is implemented through menu-driven interface, then control precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system autonomously manages water flow intensity adjustments based on received user data, eliminating the time users would spend navigating menus and making manual adjustments. The system handles the entire adjustment process automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic adjustment system allows continuous swimming without interruptions for manual control adjustments. The propulsion assembly settings are modified seamlessly based on real-time user data, maintaining continuous useful action during exercise.
3Ease of operation
If automatic adjustment based on auxiliary device data is implemented, then ease of operation is improved and loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An auxiliary device (wearable or implanted) serves as an intermediary between the user and the propulsion assembly. This intermediary collects user data and communicates with the control system, simplifying the overall architecture by separating data collection from control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to handle multiple functions: receiving data from the auxiliary device, processing user information, determining appropriate settings, and controlling the propulsion assembly. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single integrated system.
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.