Document Type

Restricted Campus Only

Publication Date

4-26-2011

Abstract

The current method for measuring throws events at track and field meets is time consuming, causing the throws events to run longer than the rest of the meet. The primary objectives of this project were to reduce the overall time needed to run the throwing events (30% overall reduction) and to reduce the number of personnel needed to run the events (3 people to 2). The primary constraints were that the new system had to be affordable by a Division 3 college or university, abide by the standards of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on matters such as safety and accuracy, and have the capability of interfacing with the cmTent database system, HyTek Meet Manager®.

The proposed measurement system utilizes an indirect method that decreases the measurement time compared to the current tape measurement method. By moving the measurement process outside of the tlu·owing ring, athletes do not have to wait during measurement and can begin their waim up routine as soon as the previous competitor leaves the ring. Distance measurements are perf01med using a laser distance meter from Leica Geosystems (Leica D8). This product was chosen for its ability to transmit measurements via Bluetooth and its LCD display, which would aid in the accuracy and speed of measurement. A target placed over the measurement point in the field is used to measure the point of landing for the implement. The indirect measurement uses a Pythagorean conversion that uses the throw distance from the center of the ring as the hypotenuse and the measured implement's distance with a known distance away from the track, the radius, as the other two sides. To keep a constant distance and angle, the Leica is mounted on a sled that can move freely along a secured track. The measurement system database consists of an Excel spreadsheet that is used to collect the data transmitted by the Leica DISTO™ Transfer software and convert it to distance measurements using the Pythagorean conversion mentioned previously.

Through Engineering Equation Solver analysis it was determined that the accuracy of the measurement system was most strongly influenced by the angular deviation of the sled track. The angular deviation in the second prototype track during testing fell within the requirement to gain the accuracy set forth by the IAAF except for a single point. This leaves high confidence that the track could be manufactured to the desired accuracy given additional resources. The time trials fell within requirements when aggregated, showing the required time reduction of 30%. The design did not meet all primary constraints with respect to final prototype accuracy and personnel, although the personnel requirement was changed by the client and accuracy had been met with earlier prototypes. It should be noted that the measurements need to be verified in a fully competitive environment.

Comments

Advisors: Dr. Peter Kelly-Zion and Dr. Michael Enright

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