Noise reduction assembly for a motorized motion device - Patents.com

Abstract

The objective is to reduce noise and vibration in exercise devices, particularly motor-driven exercise devices. The motion device includes a housing and an internal frame disposed within the housing. The motion device includes a damping system including a damping block coupled to a web of the internal frame disposed within the housing. The motion device includes a motor having a motor casing and a shaft, the shaft supported and rotationally fixed by the damping block. The motion device can include a cable pulley coupled to the motor casing such that, upon actuation of the motor, the motor casing and the cable pulley each rotate to extend or retract the cable from or into the housing. The damping block dampens vibrations generated by the motor during actuation, improving performance of the motion device and enhancing the user experience.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application is related to and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63 / 278,813, filed Nov. 12, 2021, entitled "NOISE REDUCTION ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR-DRIVEN EXERCISE DEVICE," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical field) Aspects of the present invention relate to reducing noise and vibration in exercise devices, particularly motorized exercise devices. [Background technology]

[0003] The benefits of regular exercise are well-known to all. Nevertheless, initiating and maintaining a successful exercise regimen is a challenge for many people for a variety of reasons. For example, finding the time to begin an exercise program is a challenge in itself. Finding an exercise, or more preferably, multiple exercises that are suitable for an individual and their personal fitness goals is an even more daunting problem, considering that many people do not have sufficient knowledge about different types of exercise, the benefits of different exercises, and how to perform them. Time constraints and lack of knowledge also prevent users from properly tracking and analyzing their performance and progress, which can lead to lackluster progress and affect motivation to continue with an exercise program. As a result, there is a continuing need for the development of efficient exercise devices that allow exercises to be performed correctly and easily with optimal resistance in order to obtain maximum results in the minimum time. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] While exercising at home can increase the likelihood that an individual will adhere to an exercise regimen, professional exercise equipment is often large and cumbersome and is often designed for only a small number of exercises. Although exercise devices exist with dimensions suitable for home use, such equipment often lacks the robustness of professional equipment, adversely affecting the efficiency of such devices and introducing vibrations and instability that can have a significant impact on the user experience and, in certain cases, the effectiveness and safety of exercise performed using such devices.

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure were developed specifically with these findings in mind. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the disclosure relates to a motion device including a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion and an internal frame disposed within the housing. The internal frame includes a web extending between the upper portion and the lower portion. The motion device further includes a damping block coupled to the web and a motor including a motor casing and a shaft. The shaft is supported by and rotationally fixed by the damping block. The motion device further includes a cable pulley coupled to the motor casing such that actuation of the motor causes each of the motor casing and the cable pulley to rotate.

[0007] In certain implementations, the damping block includes a shaft coupling assembly, in which the shaft extends through and is rotationally fixed by the shaft coupling assembly, and the motion device further includes a damping pad disposed between the shaft coupling assembly and the web.

[0008] In another implementation, the damping block includes a shaft coupling assembly. In such implementation, the shaft coupling assembly includes a block defining a groove along which the shaft extends. The shaft coupling assembly further includes a cover plate abutting the block and covering the groove. The shaft includes a flat portion within which a portion of the cover plate is disposed to rotationally secure the shaft. The motion device further includes a damping pad disposed between the shaft coupling assembly and the web.

[0009] In another implementation, the technology described herein relates to a motion device further including a bracket coupled to each of the damping block and the inner frame, the damping block including a shaft coupling assembly and a damping pad disposed between the bracket and the shaft coupling assembly.

[0010] In another implementation, the motion device further includes a bracket and the inner frame further includes a lateral member offset from the web, hi such implementation, the bracket is coupled to each of the damping block and the lateral member.

[0011] In another implementation, the motion device further includes a bracket and the inner frame further includes a lateral member disposed adjacent the upper portion and offset from the web, In such implementation, the bracket is coupled to each of the damping block and the lateral member.

[0012] In another implementation, the motion device further includes an encoder supported by the web, the cable pulley coupled to the encoder by a flexible shaft joint, the encoder configured to measure rotation of the cable pulley.

[0013] In another implementation, the motor is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor and the motion device further includes a motor controller that operates the motor using trapezoidal commutation.

[0014] In another implementation, a web is coupled to each of the top and bottom portions.

[0015] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a motion device including a housing and a motor including a motor casing and a shaft that is rotationally fixed within the housing by a damped connection and supports the motor casing within the housing, the motion device further including a cable pulley extending from the motor casing such that actuation of the motor causes each of the motor casing and the cable pulley to rotate.

[0016] In certain implementations, the motion device further includes an inner frame disposed within the housing, and the damping connection includes a damping block coupled to the inner frame.

[0017] In another implementation, the exercise device further includes an internal frame disposed within the housing, the internal frame including a web extending between the upper portion of the housing and the lower portion of the housing. In such implementation, the damping connection includes a damping block coupled to the web.

[0018] In another embodiment, the motion device further includes an inner frame disposed within the housing, and the damping connection includes a damping block coupled to the inner frame and a bracket coupled to each of the damping block and the inner frame and extending therebetween.

[0019] In another implementation, the motion device further includes an inner frame disposed within the housing, the damping connection including a damping block coupled to a lateral web of the inner frame, the damping connection further including a bracket coupled to and extending between each of the damping block and a lateral portion of the inner frame offset from the lateral web.

[0020] In another implementation, the motion device further includes an internal frame disposed within the housing, the internal frame including a web extending between an upper portion of the housing and a lower portion of the housing, the damped connection being between the shaft and the web. In such implementation, the motion device further includes an encoder supported by the web and rotatably coupled to the cable pulley for measuring rotation of the cable pulley.

[0021] In another implementation, the motor is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor and the motion device further includes a controller that operates the motor using trapezoidal commutation.

[0022] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a motion device that includes a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion and an internal frame disposed within the housing. The internal frame includes a web extending between the upper portion and the lower portion and a support member offset from the web. The motion device further includes a damping block coupled to the web, a bracket coupled to and extending between each of the damping block and the support member, and a motor including a motor casing and a shaft, the shaft being rotationally fixed by the damping block.

[0023] In a particular implementation, the motor is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor and the motion device further includes a motor controller that operates the motor using trapezoidal commutation.

[0024] In another implementation, the damping block includes a block defining a groove, with the shaft extending through the groove, the damping block further includes a cover plate abutting the block and rotationally fixing the shaft, a first damping pad disposed between and abutting each of the cover plate and the web, and a second damping pad disposed between and abutting each of the cover plate and the bracket.

[0025] In another implementation, the top includes an opening and the motion device further includes a cable pulley coupled to the motor casing, a cable coupled to the cable pulley, and a fairing disposed in the opening, In such implementation, the cable is routed through the opening and selectively retractable through the opening by actuating the motor.

[0026] Reference is made to the drawings, which illustrate various example embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments and drawings described in this disclosure should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first isometric view of an exercise device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a second isometric view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 with the housing partially removed to show the internal components of the exercise device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an operating environment including the exercise device of FIG. 1, the functionality of which is supported by a user's computing device and a remote fitness platform. [Figure 4] 2 is an elevational view of a web assembly of the exercise device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a first isometric view of the web assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a second isometric view of the web assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of the web assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the damping block of the web assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 9] 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a damping block assembled within the web assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 10] 2 is a partial isometric view of the internal components of the motion device of FIG. 1, showing an example arrangement of a support bracket coupled to a damping block. [Figure 11]FIG. 5 is a partial isometric view of the web assembly of FIG. 4 showing an encoder and an encoder joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Aspects of the present disclosure include an exercise device for use in performing various resistance-based exercises. The exercise device includes a housing having an upper portion through which a motor-driven cable extends. In certain implementations, the housing can have exterior dimensions similar to a fitness step / stool, plyometric box, or other similar fitness equipment, but more generally can have any suitable prismatic shape that facilitates the various use cases discussed in this disclosure. A user can equip the end of the cable with a grip, collar, belt, or similar component to facilitate performance of various exercises. In operation, the motor provides resistance by opposing the user's stretching of the cable and / or by controllably pulling the cable back against the user. The exercise device can include, or be in communication with, a computing element configured to control the motor, evaluate the user's performance, monitor system behavior, and perform other similar functions.

[0029] The motor replaces weights, bands, and other resistance elements found in conventional exercise equipment. The motor can provide a controllable resistance, which can be a constant resistance force and pull-back speed. However, the motor can also be actively controlled to provide greater versatility and flexibility compared to conventional resistance sources (e.g., weights, bands, etc.). For example, among other things, the exercise device can control the motor to provide resistance that automatically varies over a given range of motion (e.g., applying different resistance during the concentric and eccentric phases of the exercise, or varying in response to some user feedback parameter such as pull-back speed), or to provide a constant resistance that eliminates the inertial effects found in conventional resistance elements.

[0030] An athletic device may include or be communicatively connected to various devices for controlling the athletic device and providing feedback to the user. For example, an athletic device may connect to and communicate with computing devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, etc., to allow a user to select workouts and / or exercises, adjust athletic parameters (e.g., range of motion for an exercise, speed of exercise, resistance, or any other similar parameters), and view past performance data. In certain implementations, such computing devices may also facilitate streaming of video or other multimedia content (e.g., lessons) to guide a user through an exercise, and facilitate participation in streaming or real-time interactive lessons and contests. In still other implementations, the athletic platform may be used in conjunction with a gaming platform or other computing device capable of running games or similar interactive software. The athletic device may also receive control instructions from such computing devices.

[0031] The exercise devices of the present disclosure may also connect to and communicate with each other or other computing devices via a network, which may include the Internet, a local network, and combinations thereof. In one implementation, a cloud-based platform may interact with the exercise devices of the present disclosure and the computing devices of the associated users (e.g., the users' smartphones) to distribute resistance profiles (which may include control instructions) for the exercises, store and update user information, including information describing the user performing the exercises, and present tracking information to the users and personnel, such as gym facility managers, personal trainers, physical therapists, and others who may work with the users. The cloud-based computing platform further enables the generation, updating, and storage of content for use with the exercise devices, including, but not limited to, resistance profiles, workout plans, multimedia content, and the like.

[0032] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise table 100 according to one implementation of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the exercise table 100 with the housing 102 and other external components removed to show various internal components of the exercise table 100. Referring to FIG. 1, the exercise table 100 includes a housing 102 having a top 104 through which a cable 106 passes. In a particular implementation, the top 104 includes an opening 120 within which a fairing 122 or similar guide element is disposed to allow for multi-directional retraction and extension of the cable 106. As shown, the cable 106 may terminate in a handle 108, although in other implementations the cable 106 may terminate in a strap, grip, belt, rope loop, or similar component to facilitate the performance of various exercises. More generally, the cable may be coupled with any suitable attachment to facilitate various exercises. The handle 108 may be permanently fixed to the cable 106 or may be removable so that it may be replaced with one or more alternative attachments to facilitate various exercises. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the handle 108 is coupled to the cable 106 with a carabiner 107. The carabiner 107 is merely one example of a structure for facilitating coupling of the handle 108 to the cable 106, and the present disclosure contemplates that any suitable coupling mechanism may be used to couple the handle 108 to the cable 106. During exercise, the user stretches the cable 106 and / or resists pulling back on the cable 106, and resistance is provided by a motor 110 (shown in FIG. 2) disposed within the housing 102 and coupled to the cable 106, such as by a cable pulley 112 (also shown in FIG. 2) mounted coaxially with the motor 110 and around which the cable is wound or unwound upon actuation. In certain implementations, the cable pulley 112 may be a separate component coupled to a rotating component of the motor 110 (e.g., an axle or rotating casing). Alternatively, the cable pulley 112 may be integrally formed with the rotating component of the motor 110.

[0033] The exercise table 100 may include a control system (e.g., including a motor controller, a motor drive, a microprocessor, and / or other related components) for actuating / controlling the motor 110 and the resistance it provides. The exercise table 100 may further include various sensors to provide feedback to the control system to facilitate control of the motor 110. For example, in certain implementations, the exercise table 100 may include one or more of a current sensor, a position sensor (e.g., an encoder), an accelerometer, or another sensor that measures parameters related to the operation of the motor and can be used in the control and operation of the motor 110. In certain implementations, force sensors (e.g., load cells, strain gauges, etc.) incorporated into the exercise table 100 may also provide feedback for controlling the motor 110, assessing user performance, actuating the exercise device, providing information to the exercise device or other systems, and other similar functions.

[0034] The motor 110 and associated motor control components can provide a variety of different resistance profiles depending on the exercise being performed, the settings provided by the user, the user's workout plan, etc. In one mode of operation, the motor 110 can provide a constant resistance throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise. As another example, the motor 110 can provide a first resistance during a first phase of the exercise (e.g., the concentric phase of the exercise) and a second, different resistance during a second phase of the exercise (e.g., the efferent phase of the exercise). As yet another example, the motor 110 can vary the resistance throughout any or all phases of the exercise. In at least certain implementations, the system provides a means of control (e.g., through a user interface on a smartphone or tablet) to set a starting point for the exercise, which can correspond to an amount of cable pullback (winding) above which a resistance force is applied and below which a lesser pullback force is applied.

[0035] Illustratively, a user of the exercise platform 100 may perform a squat exercise while standing on the upper portion 104 with the handles 108 held in front of their body. In one example, the motor 110 may provide a constant resistance (e.g., 100 pounds of resistance) during both the eccentric (lowering) and concentric (ascending) phases of the squat. In another example, the motor 110 may provide a first resistance (e.g., 50 pounds of resistance) during the eccentric phase of the squat, but then increase the resistance (e.g., to 100 pounds) during the concentric phase of the squat, thereby emphasizing the concentric phase. In yet another example, the motor 110 may provide a relatively low resistance when the user is at the bottom position, but increase the resistance as the user reaches an upright position. Notably, such changes in resistance may facilitate a full and safe range of motion by reducing loads at commonly problematic points of motion. As a final further non-limiting example, motor 110 may provide random or otherwise dynamically varying resistance (e.g., a "noisy" load in the range of 40 to 60 pounds) throughout part or all of a squat exercise, thereby forcing the user to recruit a wider range of stabilizing muscles than if motor 110 were applying a constant resistance.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the exercise bench 100 may include various other features. For example, the housing 102 may include a grip 124 or similar feature to facilitate transportation of the exercise bench 100. The exercise bench 100 may also include an electronic panel 126. In particular, the electronic panel 126 may include one or more ports to facilitate communication between the exercise bench 100 and other computing devices, a display (e.g., an LED or LCD screen) to provide information to a user, one or more lights (e.g., an "on / off" light indicator) to indicate the status or operation of the exercise bench 100, one or more switches (e.g., a power switch), and the like. In at least certain implementations, the exercise bench 100 may include a battery, and the exercise bench 100 may optionally operate without being connected to a wall outlet or other external power source. In such cases, the exercise bench 100 may further include a charging port or similar plug (not shown) to facilitate charging the battery or otherwise powering the exercise bench 100.

[0037] 2, an isometric view of the exercise table 100 is provided with a portion of the housing 102 removed for clarity and to reveal the internal components of the exercise table 100. As mentioned above, the exercise table 100 includes a motor 110 that can be coupled to and drive a cable pulley 112 to control the retraction and extension of the cable 106. The exercise table 100 includes an internal frame 114 that provides structural integrity to the exercise table 100 and provides a structure for coupling to and supporting the internal components of the exercise table 100. As shown, the internal frame 114 includes a web 116 that extends laterally through the housing 102. In at least certain implementations, the motor 110 is coupled to and supported by the web 116 such that the cable pulley 112 is aligned with the opening 120 in the top 104. The internal frame 114 can include additional elements to provide further structural integrity and / or attachment points for other components of the exercise table 100. For example, the inner frame 114 may include one or more lateral members (such as lateral member 118 ) that extend parallel to but offset from the web 116 .

[0038] 3 illustrates an example of an operating environment 300 including the exercise station 100. In at least certain implementations, the exercise station 100 communicates with one or more external computing devices, such as a computing device 302. Although shown as a smartphone, the computing device 302 may be any suitable computing device capable of connecting to and communicating with a communication module or similar communication component of the exercise station 100 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0039] The computing device 302 may execute applications for interfacing with and controlling the exercise platform 100. For example, an application executing on the computing device 302 may allow a user of the computing device 302 to change the resistance of the exercise platform 100 or the resistance profile that the exercise platform 100 performs. In other implementations, the application allows the user to select an exercise or workout routine and automatically reconfigures the exercise platform 100 as the user progresses through the exercise or workout routine. During operation, the exercise platform 100 may transmit data, such as position data regarding the cable 106, so that the application can track the user's successful completion of exercises and workout routines.

[0040] Either or both of the exercise platform 100 and the computing device 302 may further communicate with a fitness platform 304 via a network 306, such as the Internet. In particular, the fitness platform 304 may provide a portal, website, application, etc. that allows users of the computing device 302 to access information and content related to the use of the exercise platform 100. For example, the fitness platform 304 may include a repository or similar source of video, text, or other content related to the use of the exercise platform 100, the performance of a particular exercise, and / or fitness and exercise more generally. As another example, the fitness platform 304 may support user accounts, thereby enabling users of the computing device 302 and the exercise platform 100 to track their past performance and improvement, create and track workout and fitness plans, participate in leaderboards and other community-related mechanisms, and the like. In at least certain implementations, the fitness platform 304 may facilitate real-time classes, competitions, and similar group activities that simultaneously support multiple users of the exercise device. For example, for a class, a live streaming video of an instructor can be provided to multiple users on the fitness platform 304, and each exercise device (or associated / connected computing device) can then provide exercise data (e.g., resistance levels, speed, repetitions completed, etc.) to maintain and store a leaderboard for the class or a similar display of participant performance.

[0041] As mentioned above, implementations of exercise devices according to the present disclosure rely on electric motors to provide resistance during exercise performed by a user. Although electric motors are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and easy to control, many types of electric motors and motor drive systems can be susceptible to vibration. From a device life perspective, excessive vibration can result in, among other things, increased wear on components, loosening of fasteners, fittings, and the like. Vibration can be a significant source of noise during operation of a motor-driven device, which can significantly impact the usability of the device and the user experience.

[0042] In the context of motorized exercise equipment, vibrations and associated noise can affect a user's enjoyment and engagement with the equipment and may determine the times and locations where a user can exercise with the equipment. For example, excessive vibration or noise can prevent use of the equipment due to concerns and complaints from neighbors or other people living with the user. If not prevented entirely, noise can still limit early morning or late night exercise, where the noise may be a nuisance to others living with the user. As another example, excessive noise can make the use of certain equipment impossible in a group or training environment, and loud noises created by multiple equipment operating simultaneously can drown out the voice of an instructor or can rise to levels that cause discomfort or hearing damage to training participants.

[0043] At least some of the vibrations may be caused by mechanical issues (e.g., motor imbalance, misaligned components, etc.). Another source of vibration may be the particular type of motor and / or commutation method used. For example, brushless direct current (BLDC) motors are a cost-effective and easy to control option for many electric motor applications and can be controlled using trapezoidal commutation (also known as "six-step commutation"). However, trapezoidal commutation is inherently noisy due to torque and cogging ripple. Such noise can be particularly noticeable and problematic at low rotational speeds. Adjustments to the motor and commutation scheme can be used to reduce at least some of the vibration and noise, but such adjustments may be insufficient to reduce the noise to a desired level.

[0044] In view of the above, the present disclosure includes structural improvements to motor-driven motion devices to reduce vibration and corresponding noise. In one aspect of the disclosure, a specially designed damping block supports the motor of the motion device from an internal web of the motion device. Specifically, the damping block is coupled to the shaft of the motor to prevent the motor from rotating and has a laminated structure including a plurality of damping pads for damping vibration of the motor during operation. The damping block is further coupled to the internal web of the motion device such that the motor is cantilevered from the damping block. In certain implementations, a reinforcing bracket extending from the damping block to the internal frame of the motion device provides additional support and damping of motor vibration.

[0045] Figures 4-7 show various views of web 116 and the components coupled thereto. For convenience, in this disclosure, the components shown in Figures 4-7 are collectively referred to as web assembly 400. Thus, Figure 4 is an elevational view of web assembly 400, Figure 5 is a side perspective view of web assembly 400, Figure 6 is an underside perspective view of web assembly 400, and Figure 7 is a underside exploded view of web assembly 400.

[0046] 4-7, the web assembly 400 includes a web 116 that supports the motor 110 within the housing 102 (shown in FIG. 1). The web assembly 400 further includes a damping block 402 that couples the motor 110 to the web 116, and a bracket 408 that is coupled to the damping block 402 and extends to the lateral member 118 of the inner frame 114 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10).

[0047] In a particular embodiment, the motor 110 is a brushless direct current (BLDC) hub motor. Generally, a hub motor includes an internal motor assembly (not shown) around which a motor casing 404 rotates. Hub motors can be direct drive or geared. In a direct drive hub motor, the internal components of the hub motor act as the stator of the motor, and the motor casing 404 is configured as the rotor. In contrast, the internal motor assembly of a geared hub motor includes both a stator and a rotor. The rotor of the motor assembly meshes with the motor casing 404 by an internal gear assembly (e.g., a planetary gear assembly, not shown), and the rotation of the rotor indirectly drives the rotation of the motor casing 404 by means of gears. In either design, the motor includes a shaft that protrudes externally to mount it to a support structure and is coupled (directly or indirectly) to the stator. In many applications, the mounting rotationally fixes the shaft, so that the stator remains stationary during operation of the motor.

[0048] The web assembly 400 includes the web 116, the motor 110, and associated structure for coupling the motor 110 to the web 116. As shown, a motor casing 404 of the motor 110 may be coupled to a cable pulley 112 such that rotation of the motor casing 404 rotates the cable pulley 112. The cable pulley 112 is further shown as coupled to an encoder 450 configured to measure the rotational position of the cable pulley 112 and the motor casing 404 during operation of the exercise platform 100. The web 116 may further support a fairing 122 in alignment with the cable pulley 112 for guiding a cable (not shown) that is wound around the cable pulley 112 outside of the housing 102.

[0049] The damping block 402 couples the motor 110 to the web 116. More specifically, the damping block 402 couples to the web 116 and receives and rotationally fixes a shaft 406 of the motor 110. As a result, the motor 110 is cantilevered from the damping block 402 within the housing 102 of the exercise platform 100. To accommodate the motor 110, cable pulley 112, encoder 450, and other internal components of the exercise platform 100, the web 116 may include one or more notches, such as notch 410 (shown in FIG. 4 ), into which those components may be at least partially positioned.

[0050] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the damping block 402. In at least certain implementations, the damping block 402 can include a shaft coupling assembly 502 including a main block 504 and a cover plate 506. Each of the main block 504 and the cover plate 506 can be formed of a relatively rigid and solid material, such as, but not limited to, steel or aluminum. The damping block 402 can further include various damping pads. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the damping block 402 can include a damping pad 508 that is positioned between the main block 504 and the bracket 408 when the damping block 402 is assembled to the web assembly 400. The damping block 402 can further include a damping pad 510 that is positioned between the cover plate 506 and the web 116 when the damping block 402 is assembled to the web assembly. In contrast to the main block 504 and cover plate 506, the damping pads 508 and 510 may be formed from a suitable elastomeric material selected to absorb and damp vibrations transmitted by the shaft 406 to the shaft coupling assembly 502. In certain implementations, one or both of the damping pads 508 and 510 may have a multi-material laminate construction or may alternatively be replaced by multiple separate damping pads. In implementations in which the bracket 408 is omitted, the damping pads 508 may be omitted from the damping block 402.

[0051] The main block 504 may include a groove 512 that receives the shaft 406 of the motor 110 during assembly of the web assembly 400. The cover plate 506 may also include a slot 514 or similar feature configured to rotationally lock the shaft 406. In a particular implementation, depending on the dimensions of the shaft 406 and the cover plate 506, the damping pad 510 may also include a slot 516 into which a portion of the shaft 406 extends to rotationally lock the shaft 406.

[0052] The coupling and securing of the shaft 406 by the damping block 402 is further illustrated in Figure 9, which is a partial cross-sectional view of the web assembly 400. Figure 9 includes the motor 110 having a shaft 406 extending therefrom. As shown, the shaft 406 extends into the damping block 402, which is adapted to support the shaft 406. Specifically, the shaft 406 extends through a groove 512 in the main block 504.

[0053] The shaft 406 can be coupled to and retained by the damping block 402 in a variety of ways, but in at least certain implementations, the shaft 406 can include a flat 507 with a portion 509 distal from the flat 507 projecting radially. In such implementations, when the shaft 406 and damping block 402 are assembled together, the flat 507 can be positioned to abut the cover plate 506 with the portion 509 extending into the slots 514 and 516. In such configurations, the flats 507, the slots 514, and the slots 516 each collectively provide longitudinal and rotational restraints to the shaft 406, thereby coupling the motor 110 to the damping block 402 and the web 116.

[0054] As mentioned above, the bracket 408 can provide additional support and damping for the motor 110. As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the bracket 408 is coupled to and extends from the damping block 402. With reference to FIG. 10, in at least certain implementations, the bracket 408 can extend from the damping block 402 to a lateral member 118 of the inner frame 114. As shown in both FIGS. 2 and 10, the lateral member 118 can extend within the housing 102 parallel to the web 116 and below the top 104. In at least certain implementations, a damping pad or similar insert (not shown) can be disposed between the bracket 408 and the lateral member 118 to provide further damping and noise reduction.

[0055] 10 shows the bracket 408 extending to the lateral member 118, it is contemplated in the present disclosure that the bracket 408 may extend to any substantially fixed element of the exercise platform 100, and in particular to other elements of the interior frame 114. Thus, for example, while FIGS. 2 and 10 show the bracket 408 extending in an upwardly sloping direction to couple to the lateral member 118 below the upper portion 104, the bracket 408 may instead extend in a downwardly sloping direction to couple to a similar member or structural element disposed adjacent the lower portion of the housing 102. More generally, the bracket 408 may be configured to extend between the damping block 402 within the housing 102 and any suitable fixed location or structure.

[0056] During operation of the motor 110, the shaft 406 transfers the resulting vibrations of the motor 110 to the damping block 402, which in turn transfers the vibrations to the inner frame 114. More specifically, the damping block 402 transfers at least a portion of the vibration energy to the web 116 due to the coupling of the damping block 402 to the web 116. In particular, the damping pad 510 (disposed between the shaft coupling assembly 502 of the damping block 402 and the web 116) dampens at least a portion of the vibration energy transferred from the damping block 402 to the web 116. In an implementation including a bracket 408, because the bracket 408 is coupled to both the damping block 402 and the lateral member 118, an additional portion of the vibration energy is transferred from the damping block 402 to the lateral member 118 (or a similar component of the inner frame 114). The damping pad 508 (disposed between the shaft coupling assembly 502 and the bracket 408 ) dampens at least a portion of the vibration energy transferred from the damping block 402 to the bracket 408 .

[0057] In addition to the damping pads 508 and 510, various structural elements of the exercise table 100 may provide additional damping and acoustic cancellation. For example, without limitation, one or more of the web 116, the bracket 408, and the transverse member 118 (or other structural members to which the bracket 408 is coupled) may be made of or configured to provide vibration damping or vibration frequency shifting materials. Furthermore, additional damping pads or similar damping components may be placed between components of the exercise table 100 (e.g., between elements of the internal frame 114) or between the exercise table 100 and the surrounding environment (e.g., under the housing 102 such that damping pads are between the exercise table 100 and the floor) to further dampen vibrations resulting from the operation of the motor 110.

[0058] Each of the damping blocks 402 and brackets 408 significantly damps vibrations generated by the motor 110 during use of the exercise table 100, resulting in a corresponding reduction in noise. Notably, this reduction allows for the use of motor types and control schemes that are noisier but more cost-effective. For example, as discussed above, BLDC motors operating with trapezoidal commutation are often considered efficient and cost-effective, but ultimately noisier, especially when operated at low speeds. During testing and development, the damping techniques and structures disclosed herein have proven to provide such a significant reduction in vibration that BLDC motors using trapezoidal commutation are a suitable alternative to more expensive, but inherently quieter, motor configurations.

[0059] As discussed in connection with FIGS. 4-7, the web assembly 400 may further include an encoder 450 to measure the rotation of the cable pulley 112 and the motor 110. FIG. 11 is a diagram of the web assembly of FIG. 4 showing an exemplary configuration of the encoder and the encoder joint. In at least certain implementations, as shown in FIG. 11, the encoder 450 may be coupled to the web 116 using a suitable bracket or support such that its shaft is aligned with the cable pulley 112 and the motor 110. To allow for at least some misalignment between the encoder 450 and the cable pulley 112 / motor 110, the web assembly 400 may include a flexible joint 452 to couple the shaft of the encoder 450 to the cable pulley 112. For example, the flexible joint 452 may be a double-loop type encoder joint. Notably, due to the flexible joint 452, the encoder 450 does not provide substantial load-bearing support to the motor 110, so that the motor 110 remains substantially supported by the damping block 402.

[0060] Although various representative embodiments have been described in some detail, those skilled in the art may make many modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. All directional terms (e.g., up, down, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader in understanding the embodiments of the present invention, and do not pose any limitations, particularly with respect to the location, orientation, or use of the present invention, unless specifically recited in the claims. Joint terms (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements and the relative movement between the elements. Thus, joint terms do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to each other.

[0061] In some instances, components are described with reference to an "end" that has a particular characteristic and / or is connected to another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components that terminate immediately beyond a connection point with another component. Thus, the term "end" should be broadly interpreted to include an adjacent, rear, forward, or other nearby area of ​​the end of a particular element, link, component, member, etc. In the methodologies directly or indirectly illustrated herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible sequence of operations, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the steps and operations can be rearranged, substituted, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as merely illustrative and non-limiting. Changes may be made in detail or structure without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 110 Motor 112 Cable pulley 116 Web 122 Fairing 400 Web Assembly 402 Attenuation Block 404 Motor casing 408 Bracket 450 Encoder 452 Flexible joint

Claims

[Claim 1] a housing including an upper portion and a lower portion; an internal frame disposed within the housing and including a web extending between the upper and lower portions; a damping block coupled to the web; a motor including a motor casing and a shaft, the shaft being supported by and rotationally fixed by the damping block; a cable pulley coupled to the motor casing, such that activation of the motor causes rotation of the motor casing and the cable pulley; An exercise device comprising:

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