Exercise Machine With Controlled Motion and User Force Matching Resistance

Abstract

An exercise machine with controlled motion and user force matching resistance. The machine includes a frame to which is rigidly mounted a motor driven reciprocating drive. A user engageable arm is pivotally mounted to the frame. The reciprocating drive is connected to the arm by a rigid connecting rod. The reciprocating drive drives the arm through a predetermined stroke following a pre-determined velocity profile. The user performs the exercise by applying force to the arm. The arm applies a generally equal counterforce to the force applied by the user. The pre-determined motion of the arm is generally independent of the force applied by the user. The stroke of the arm has a fixed fully contracted position and a user adjustable fully extended position. Adjustments to the fully extended position are made by changing the location of the joint between the connecting rod and the arm. Motion of the arm starts upon application of force applied by the user, and stops when the user force is removed.

Description

BACKGROUNDPrior Art[0001]Controlled movement exercise with user force matching resistance is recognized as a highly effective form of exercise since it allows the user to exert the maximum force he or she is capable of at each position throughout the full range of the exercise motion. It is also considered as among the safest forms of resistance exercise and is employed in machines used for physical therapy.[0002]Despite these advantages, machines using controlled movement with user force matching resistance are rarely seen outside rehabilitation clinics due to their high cost, complexity and difficulty of adjustment and operation. Much of the complexity and cost comes from the motion and resistance controlling features themselves, as they include specialized electro-mechanical actuators, complex feedback features and often computer control in order to provide controlled movement resistance. Many make use of stepper or servo motors which in addition to being more expensive than a st...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a new exercise device that uses controlled movement and user force matching resistance. This device is affordable, easy to operate, and can be adjusted to provide different levels of resistance. The device is powered by a standard electric motor and uses a linkage between the motor and the output arm, making it simpler and more efficient than previous machines. The device allows for both concentric and eccentric contractions and can be safely used without a spotter. The technical effects of this patent are an improved exercise experience that is more effective, efficient, and safe.

Problems solved by technology

Despite these advantages, machines using controlled movement with user force matching resistance are rarely seen outside rehabilitation clinics due to their high cost, complexity and difficulty of adjustment and operation.

Much of the complexity and cost comes from the motion and resistance controlling features themselves, as they include specialized electro-mechanical actuators, complex feedback features and often computer control in order to provide controlled movement resistance.

Many make use of stepper or servo motors which in addition to being more expensive than a standard 120 volt single phase electric motor, have the additional expense of requiring a specialized power supply called an amplifier or driver.

However, the design specifies that the electric motor be a reversible variable speed / variable torque type motor, which will require a control circuit to control the motor thereby adding to the expense of the machine.

The means of adjusting the output stroke shown, simply changing the length of the crank or rocker arms, will simultaneously change the starting and ending points of the exercise stroke, likely causing the user to have to change position.

However, this device requires that the user activate the motor by the separate act of activating a switch either by hand or foot.

Furthermore, the stroke adjustment means shown will simultaneously change the starting and ending points of the exercise stroke, likely causing the user to have to change position.

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