Design of Sprint Mechanical Auxiliary Starting Block Based on the Dynamic Simulation of Energy‐Release Efficiency
ABSTRACT The integration of technology into sports has profoundly influenced athletic performance through various assistive devices. In sprinting, starting blocks play a critical role in determining competitive outcomes, making their performance characteristics a significant focus of research. Currently, most starting blocks rely on mechanical structures with fixed stiffness. This design approach inherently lacks adaptability to the individual biomechanics of athletes. Consequently, it fails to deliver differentiated mechanical support during both the preparatory “set” phase and the subsequent propulsion phase. To overcome these limitations, this paper introduces an innovative integration of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) with a variable‐stiffness mechanism. A composite energy storage unit is developed using CFRP and shape memory alloys (SMAs). Governed by a novel dynamic phase‐matching control strategy (DP‐MCS), this unit enables energy storage‐release efficiency dynamic simulation (ES‐REDS) throughout the starting sequence. Computational simulations confirm that the proposed design improves simulated energy utilization efficiency by 82.24% compared to conventional fixed‐stiffness designs. Additionally, it reduces reaction time and enhances initial acceleration. The design also incorporates a passive energy‐recycling system that complies with world athletics (WA) regulations. These findings not only expand the range of sprinting equipment but also offer a transferable dynamic energy management framework applicable to other sports domains. This research has important implications for the advancement of sports technology.
Authors
- Liang Liang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8251-2004)
Institutions
- Department of Commerce (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Engineering Reports
- Published
- 2025-11-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/eng2.70505
- Primary Topic
- Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Robotics
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00