Aquatic Swim Training Device with Securing Fin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swim training paddles fail to effectively improve stroke technique and hand position, relying on user intuition and providing limited feedback on improper techniques, which hinders efficient swimming performance.
Innovation Solution
An aquatic training device with a contact surface, resistive member, and securing fin that provides tactile feedback and adjustable attachment to secure the paddle to the hand, allowing movement when improper stroke techniques are used, thus alerting the user through water displacement and frictional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional hand paddles are used to increase effective surface area and resistive force, then swimming speed and muscle training are improved, but stroke technique and hand position are not effectively improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including visual indicators (colored zones showing proper hand placement), tactile feedback through the fin structure that moves relative to the hand, and auditory feedback from water displacement sounds. These feedback systems continuously monitor hand position and provide real-time information to the swimmer about technique correctness, directly addressing the lack of technique improvement in traditional paddles.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing fin acts as an intermediary element between the hand and the paddle body. It provides a mechanical link that translates improper hand positioning into visible and tactile signals, mediating the interaction between the swimmer and the training device to enforce proper technique while maintaining the resistive force function.
2Manufacturing precision
If paddles are designed with fixed hand position requirements, then proper stroke technique is enforced, but user comfort and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The securing fin is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed - it can move laterally and rotate within a controlled range relative to the hand. This dynamic design allows the fin to adapt to different hand sizes and positions while still providing technique feedback when proper form is not maintained, balancing enforcement with comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for parameter changes in hand positioning within acceptable ranges. The fin structure accommodates variations in hand size, position, and stroke style while maintaining the core technique requirements. This flexibility in parameters improves user comfort without sacrificing the technique-enforcing function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the paddle is securely attached to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but technique feedback through movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle is segmented into distinct functional components: a stable body for resistive force generation and a movable fin for technique feedback. This segmentation allows the main paddle structure to remain stable and secure while the fin component moves independently to provide continuous technique monitoring and feedback during the stroke.
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
Enhances stroke technique by providing continuous feedback on hand and arm position, improving muscular conditioning and swimming efficiency by ensuring optimal hand and arm alignment with the water, preventing improper techniques and promoting proper stroke mechanics.
Implementation Method 1
The resistive member is configured to provide additional frictional resistance when the hand moves parallel to the contact surface
Implementation Method 2
allowing movement when improper stroke techniques are used, thus alerting the user through water displacement and frictional forces
Data Source
AI summary
An aquatic training device including a body having a contact surface for engaging a hand of a user and a securing fin extending substantially transverse from the contact surface. The securing fin further includes a retaining member spaced from the contact surface. The aquatic training device is designed to improve a user's stroke technique, particularly with respect to hand arm positioning while swimming, by forcing the user to engage shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers in optimal hand arm positions while swimming.