Adaptive Muscle Trainer With Angular Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional resistance training methods for joints, such as the shoulder, are labor-intensive and ineffective as they provide a fixed weight that does not account for varying muscle groups' peak torque across different ranges of motion, particularly in pathological conditions where resistance is needed at specific points rather than mid-range.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive trainer system that includes a movement assembly with a handle, a brake, and a sensor connected to a computing device, which senses the angular position and adjusts resistance based on a predetermined regimen, allowing for personalized resistance and timing tailored to each muscle group's functional status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed weight resistance training is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different muscle groups and pathological conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance mechanism transitions from static fixed weight to dynamic adjustable resistance. The brake assembly (150) can be adjusted via cable (156) and pulley (158) system to vary resistance levels, allowing the device to adapt to different muscle groups and rehabilitation stages while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables changing of resistance parameters through the brake adjustment mechanism. By modifying the brake engagement (via cable tension on pulley), the resistance applied to the movement assembly can be varied to match different therapeutic requirements and muscle group capabilities
2Measurement precision
If traditional therapist estimation method is used, then the measurement precision of resistance is low, but the device complexity and cost are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect angular position and movement data, providing feedback to the computing device. This enables precise measurement and monitoring of resistance applied to each muscle group, replacing subjective therapist estimation with objective quantitative data while maintaining manageable system complexity
3Productivity
If traditional fixed resistance training is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the effectiveness in targeting specific muscle groups at different ranges of motion is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance training is segmented by muscle group and range of motion. The movement assembly (120) with multiple handles (124) allows isolation of specific muscle groups, and the brake resistance can be independently adjusted for each segment, enabling targeted conditioning while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for conditioning a group of muscles and joints of a subject including: a movement assembly including an arm having a handle, such that an angular position is created by the subject's joint when the subject grips the handle, a brake, connected to the movement assembly, configured to apply a work load to the movement assembly, and a sensor configured to sense the angular position of the movement assembly; and a computing device, in communication with the sensor and the brake, configured to sense the movement of the movement assembly relative to the brake, create an encoded signal representing the movement assembly and the movement over a period of time, and modify the brake to vary the work load during a movement of the movement assembly based on timing at the angular position and a predetermined regimen.