Swim instruction, training, and assessment apparatus

摘要

An instructional, training, and assessment apparatus is provided for use in the activity of swimming. The apparatus includes a cable having a proximal end and a distal end, and a harness for coupling the distal end of the cable to a swimmer. A motorized drum mechanism is coupled to the proximal end of the cable for winding and unwinding the cable to apply forces to the swimmer as the swimmer swims laps in a pool. A pressure roller applies pressure to the cable as it is wound and unwound in multiple layers upon the drum. A bailer sheave and idler roller engaged with the sheave and mounted on shafts transverse to the drum guide the cable in even rows onto the drum. A cable diameter limit sensor coupled to the above described bailer sheave and the motorized drum senses the increased diameter of the distal end of the cable whereupon the motorized drum halts the winding action in response to the limit sensor signal. Cable speed and force sensors are provided for generating output signals responsive to the speed of and force exerted on the cable. The apparatus also includes a controller responsive to the output signal from the force sensor and the speed sensor and to an external speed parameter represented by a reference signal for controlling the forces applied by the winding and unwinding mechanism. The controller of the apparatus further includes a signal averaging means coupled to the speed sensor signal and to the controller limiting the rate of change of positive forces to the swimmer while the swimmer is swimming in response to changes in the swimmer's speed.