Athletic Timing Device With Encoder Wheel for Aquatic Velocity Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current athletic timing devices lack accuracy and frequency in updating user velocity, particularly in aquatic environments, and are often costly and ineffective in water-resistant applications.
Innovation Solution
A timing device with an elongated member that extends from a housing, featuring a wheel with an encoder to calculate rotational velocity, and a controller to determine linear velocity, which is water-resistant and communicates with electronic devices for real-time data collection and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional timing devices are used, then they provide basic timing functionality, but they lack accuracy and frequency in updating user velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical timing mechanisms with an optical encoder system that uses light to detect wheel rotation and calculate velocity. This substitution enables more accurate and frequent velocity measurements by using optical sensing rather than mechanical counting, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and update frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from simple time recording to continuous velocity calculation by measuring rotational speed of the wheel. The encoder measures rotational velocity and the controller calculates linear velocity in real-time, transforming the timing device from static time recording to dynamic velocity measurement, thereby improving both accuracy and update frequency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If timing devices are made water-resistant for aquatic environments, then they become suitable for aquatic settings, but they become costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into two separate portions: a first portion that is water-resistant containing the reel and encoder, and a second portion containing the controller and electronics. This segmentation allows the device to function in aquatic environments while keeping the complex electronic components protected from water, reducing the overall complexity compared to making the entire device fully water-resistant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an encoder as an intermediary component that converts mechanical rotation into electrical signals. This encoder is positioned in the water-resistant portion and transmits data to the controller through the divider, allowing the system to maintain water resistance while enabling accurate velocity measurement without requiring the entire device to be fully sealed against water.
3Reliability
If the housing is sealed for water resistance, then water protection is achieved, but access to internal components for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The divided housing structure with two portions separated by a divider allows the first portion (reel and encoder) to be water-resistant while the second portion (controller) can be accessed separately. This segmentation enables maintenance and repair of electronic components without compromising the water resistance of the first portion, as components can be accessed through the second portion or by selectively opening sections.
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
The device provides accurate, frequent updates of user velocity and is cost-effective, suitable for various environments, including aquatic settings, by separating housing components for water resistance and integrating with electronic devices for data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
An encoder is operably coupled to the wheel and is configured to calculate a rotational velocity of the wheel
Implementation Method 2
A controller is configured to calculate a linear velocity of the elongated member based on the rotational velocity of the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A timing device is provided herein. The timing device includes a housing defining an aperture in a surface thereof. An elongated member is extendable from the housing. A wheel is attached to an interior surface of the housing. An encoder is operably coupled to the wheel and is configured to calculate a rotational velocity of the wheel. A controller is configured to calculate a linear velocity of the elongated member based on the rotational velocity of the wheel.