Race hydration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydration systems for athletes during competitions, particularly runners, fail to effectively allow for optimal hydration while maintaining a desired race pace, as they are often cumbersome, uncomfortable, and not universally compatible with different fluid containers, leading to inefficiencies in fluid intake and potential dehydration.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, comfortable race hydration system comprising a hydration assembly with a neck cord and annular attachment elements that securely holds a straw element, allowing easy access to hydrating fluids from open top cups without disrupting the athlete's stride or pace, and can be attached to clothing or an armband for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible tube connected to a fluid container is used, then the athlete can access fluids without stopping, but the tube may not be readily available and requires effort to locate
Solution Approach 1:
The hydration system is pre-positioned on the athlete's body (chest or back) with the tube routed along the body and secured. The tube is preliminarily arranged so that the mouth end is easily accessible without requiring the athlete to search or adjust it during exercise, thus eliminating the time loss associated with locating the tube.
2Ease of operation
If the mouth end of the flexible tube is attached to the athlete's head or helmet, then access is improved, but the device is not universally useful with different fluid containers
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid container is designed with a standardized opening that can accommodate various types of fluid containers (water bottles, sport drink containers, etc.). The tube connects to the container through a universal interface that works with different container types, making the system adaptable and versatile while maintaining easy access through the head-mounted or chest-mounted configuration.
3Ease of operation
If a wearable container hangs around the user's neck, then fluid access is enabled, but the container bounces against the runner's chest and is uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of hanging the container vertically around the neck where it bounces against the chest, the system positions the container in a different spatial dimension - either on the back or distributed across the chest area. This dimensional change eliminates the bouncing problem while maintaining accessibility through properly routed tubing.
4Quantity of substance
If a runner stops to drink from an open top cup, then maximum fluid intake is achieved, but the runner's stride and pace are broken and race time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydration system enables continuous drinking action by providing a tube that delivers fluid directly to the mouth while the runner maintains their stride and pace. The runner does not need to stop or break their running motion, allowing the useful action of drinking to continue uninterrupted alongside the useful action of running, thus maintaining race pace while achieving adequate fluid intake.
5Ease of operation
If a straw is held in the runner's hand or attached to clothing, then fluid access is possible, but the straw is easily lost and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The straw is merged with the hydration system by being permanently connected to the fluid container through the tube. The container and straw form an integrated unit that is worn on the body, eliminating the risk of the straw being lost. The system combines the container, tube, and straw into a single reliable assembly that remains with the runner throughout the race.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved race hydration system and method are provided that will enable runners and other athletes participating in competitive events using the system and method to easily and quickly access hydrating fluids without interfering with their competition pace or stride. The system may be formed from lightweight disposable components and is designed to be worn by the athlete without discomfort or distraction during competition. A hydration assembly, including a straw element with attachment structures, may be removably attached to the athlete's clothing by an attachment assembly. The straw element has a length and diameter that permits the athlete to obtain a maximum amount of hydrating fluid from an open top container while continuing to maintain a desired pace and stride. The hydration assembly is secured in place when it is not being used at an attachment assembly location that is easily accessed by the athlete when needed.