Adaptive Actuator Exercise System for Strength Curve Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muscle strengthening equipment lacks the ability to provide real-time feedback and dynamically adjust resistance to match individual strength curves, leading to inefficient muscle strengthening and potential injury risks, particularly in rehabilitation and fitness training.
Innovation Solution
An interactive exercise system utilizing an electronically controlled linear actuator with sensors to detect user movement and force, allowing for continuous adjustment of resistance in both concentric and eccentric directions, and incorporating a user interface and display for real-time feedback and data tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If weight stack machines with fixed weight settings are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to individual strength curves is limited and muscle strengthening efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed weight stacks with a motorized actuator system that dynamically adjusts resistance in real-time. The actuator responds to user force inputs and modifies the resistance curve throughout the range of motion, adapting to individual strength variations at different joint angles. This transforms a static resistance system into a dynamic one that can be customized for each user's strength profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing continuous adjustment of resistance magnitude and distribution across the range of motion. Instead of discrete weight increments, the system varies resistance parameters digitally through motor control, enabling precise matching to individual strength curves. The resistance profile can be modified by changing control parameters in software, allowing customization without physical reconfiguration.
2Device complexity
If weight-based equipment with large weight increments is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of resistance adjustment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight stack and pulley system with an electronically controlled actuator. This substitution eliminates the need for physical weight plates and mechanical adjustment mechanisms, replacing them with a motor-driven system controlled by electronic sensors and software. The result is finer resolution in resistance adjustment without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system serves multiple functions: it provides resistance, measures user force through sensors, adjusts resistance levels continuously, and adapts to different exercise protocols. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical components into a single integrated system, reducing overall device complexity while enhancing precision.
3Ease of operation
If traditional weight machines are used, then the ease of operation is straightforward, but the reliability for preventing injury is reduced due to inability to stop at any point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through force sensors that continuously monitor user exertion and provide real-time data to the control system. This feedback loop enables the actuator to respond dynamically to user needs, automatically adjusting resistance or stopping motion when pain or discomfort is detected. The system monitors physiological signals and mechanical forces to prevent injury while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment without requiring user intervention. The sensors and control algorithm work autonomously to detect unsafe conditions and modify resistance accordingly. This self-service capability enhances reliability by providing continuous safety monitoring while keeping the interface simple for the user.
4Loss of time
If weight stack machines are used, then the loss of time for setup and adjustment is minimal, but the productivity of muscle strengthening is reduced due to fixed resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic resistance adjustment to optimize muscle strengthening throughout the range of motion. The actuator modifies resistance in real-time based on the user's strength curve, ensuring optimal loading at each joint angle. This dynamic adaptation increases strengthening productivity without requiring time-consuming manual reconfiguration of weights.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes resistance parameters digitally through software control rather than physical weight changes. This allows instantaneous adjustment of resistance levels and profiles without the time required to physically add or remove weight plates. The parameter changes are implemented through motor control signals, enabling rapid adaptation to different exercise phases and individual needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive exercise system with apparatus and methods to optimize muscle strength for rehabilitation, to improve or maintain fitness, and to enhance the performance of athletes. The system uses an electronically controlled linear actuator to generate resistance against the muscular force exerted by the user. The system includes sensors configured to detect acceleration, speed, velocity, position, direction of movement, duration, and the force applied by the user. A control system preferably continuously monitors the sensors, and instantaneously adjusts the adaptive actuator. This provides a proportional counterforce to the user force throughout the entire range-of-motion. A display panel allows the user to interact with the system in real-time. The objective of the user is to synchronize the exercise performance with a selected target goal, by correlating the user's movement relative to a position on a display panel.