From Experience to the Idea
– from the Idea to the System
Through Research and Development to the Product
The TPS system is based on over 15 years of experience from Ovento in the sports event sector, particularly in timing. Through numerous deployments at real events with timing and tracking, a clear understanding emerged of what works reliably and where existing systems reach their limits.
This gave rise to the first ideas. However, it was uncertain what technical and organisational challenges would be associated with it – and whether the approach was even feasible.
Only through close collaboration with various development and technology partners was it possible to consistently pursue this path and transform the idea into a functioning system..
From concept to production-ready implementation
Industrial trackers were not suitable for sports events
- Use of 250 Queclink GL320MG trackers with individual SIM cards
- High operational effort (SIM handling, IMEI-based configuration, file workflows)
- Costly firmware updates via cloud; USB updates hardly practical
- Chaos while charging: 250 devices, 250 USB-C cablesl
- Unreliable tracking software
- Inaccurate position data – athletes "jumped" on the map
- Not portable and only fully waterproof with vacuum sealing
- No time keeping possible
- Not scalable for large events (>1,000 athletes)
2021 · The Idea
Rethinking tracking and time keeping
- First idea for a combined tracking and timing device for sports events
- Conversations with several industry leaders
-
Central question:
Is the necessary accuracy achievable with such a small, portable device? - Insight: Research necessary
- First contact with ZHAW
Research phase with scientific partner
- Official project launch with ZHAW
- Market and Technology Analysis
- Tests of various GPS modules
- Evaluation of engineering samples that were not yet available on the market
First prototype – first setback
- First functional prototype completed
- The GPS module did not meet the promised specificationst
-
Critical Decision:
- Stop project
- or restart completely
- Decision: Restart
From Prototype to Product
- Start of the design process with an industrial designer
-
Focus on:
- Weareable
- Waterproof housing
- Event-capable operation
Concept confirmed
- Second prototype ready for testing
- Test results very convincing
-
Extension of functionality:
- Time measurement
- Sensor data
- Start of Cloud Software Development
- Beginning of industrialisation
Intellectual property secured
- IInternational patent application for the TPS system
Practical check of the hardware
- First production samples arrived
- Electronics worked as expectedt
- The casing did not meet the requirements (material, water resistance)
- Decision on the revision of the housings
Efirst practical test in event operations
- Ongoing field tests
- First event with over 100 TPS devices
- Successful using in the Engadin Ultra Trail
Quality before scaling
- New development of the housing with a specialised partner
- New injection mould
-
Change of production partners for:
- Electronics
- Injection moulding
The system will be complete
- Prototype 2 of the charging station completed
- Start of the industrialisation of the TPS loading tray
From Project to Product
- First production batch delivered (1,500 TPS devices)
-
Public Go-Live:
- Website
- Marketing
- Product launch
End-to-End TPS system operational
- TPS tray and TPS box fully operational
- Complete system for event operations available
Strong partners by our side
Technology, Research and Development - together from the idea to implementation
“The collaboration was excellent because together we managed to get the housing design to work after all. After the first prototype caused some difficulties, we were able to overcome all hurdles through targeted optimizations – today the system runs flawlessly. I particularly appreciated the open and goal-oriented way we tackled the challenges.”
Willy Huwyler
Development Engineer / Project Manager in Mechanical Engineering and Plastics
www.teqable.com
„The collaboration in this project was highly diverse and rewarding, while also involving significant technical and organizational challenges. A key challenge was achieving the compact form factor without compromising strict requirements for signal quality, particularly in terms of positioning accuracy and LTE connectivity.
The hardware integrates multiple high-end technologies into a single system, enabling a wide and flexible range of applications. It is very satisfying that, after an intensive development phase with its highs and lows, a mature and high-performance device has emerged."
"I have completed several triathlons myself, which made this collaboration particularly exciting for me.
The greatest challenge was integrating highly precise electronics into the most compact plastic housing possible – while meeting ergonomic requirements and achieving a clear, appealing design.
Today, TPS stands out for its exceptional accuracy and well-engineered handling.