Auxiliary Drive for Training Device Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strength training devices face limitations in adjusting training resistance continuously and safely, often requiring discrete changes in weight plates, which can lead to uneven loads between concentric and eccentric phases, and lack adaptability to cardiovascular values, resulting in reduced muscle growth and increased costs and safety concerns with active, fully electric systems.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary drive system comprising a first force measuring device, a control device, and a drive unit that adjusts the target force based on actual force measurements, ensuring the maximum training resistance is never exceeded by applying a component counter to the earth's acceleration, allowing continuous and adaptive load adjustments without mechanical changes to the training device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete weight plates are used for resistance adjustment, then the mechanical connection is secure and simple, but the training resistance can only be adjusted at discrete intervals and cannot be continuously adapted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical weight plate adjustment system with a hybrid system that incorporates an electric drive unit and control device. The drive unit can actively adjust the position of the mass plate, enabling continuous resistance adjustment rather than discrete steps. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with electromechanical control resolves the contradiction by providing both continuous adaptability and automated precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the position and state of the mass plate, and the control device uses this information to precisely control the drive unit. This closed-loop feedback system enables continuous and accurate resistance adjustment, allowing the training device to adapt to specific cardiovascular values and exercise requirements while maintaining secure mechanical connections through controlled engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fully electric strength training equipment is used, then continuous dynamic resistance adjustment is possible, but the costs are significantly higher and complex safety measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resistance adjustment function into two parts: a mechanical base system that provides secure, passive support and an auxiliary electric drive unit that provides active adjustment capability. This segmentation allows the device to achieve continuous dynamic resistance adjustment while relying on the robust mechanical system for safety and structural integrity, thereby reducing costs and complexity compared to fully electric systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates safety features that are activated beforehand or in advance of potential hazards. The control device monitors system state and can preemptively adjust the drive unit to prevent unsafe conditions. Additionally, the mechanical connection remains inherently secure as a passive safety backup, cushioning against potential failures of the electric components and reducing the need for complex safety systems.
3Reliability
If the total movable mass is increased for higher training resistance, then the maximum training resistance is well-defined and safe, but the load on the trainee cannot be reduced for adaptive training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static mass configuration into a dynamic system where the effective training resistance can be continuously adjusted by the drive unit. While the total movable mass remains fixed for safety, the drive unit can selectively engage or disengage portions of this mass, or actively counterbalance it, thereby reducing the load on the trainee when needed. This dynamic control maintains the safety of having a defined maximum load while providing the adaptability for customized training intensities.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit functions as an active counterweight system, where the motor can generate forces that counteract the gravitational force of the mass plate. This allows the effective training resistance to be reduced below the full weight of the mass plate, enabling adaptive load adjustment while the full mass remains in place as a safety-defined maximum. The counterbalancing action of the drive unit provides the necessary load reduction for adaptive training protocols.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and optimized load adjustments during exercise, reducing the risk of excessive loads, promoting muscle growth by allowing eccentric overload, and minimizing costs through modular design and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The first force measuring device determines an actual force which is applied to a main traction device, on which a person training acts
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary force, which has a component counter to the acceleration due to gravity
Implementation Method 3
the control device controls the drive unit in such a way that, by connecting the drive unit to the movable mass, an auxiliary force, FZ, acts on the movable mass
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an auxiliary drive for a training device, said auxiliary drive comprising a first force measuring device, a control device, and a drive unit, wherein the control device is designed to determine a target force FS,max, the first force measuring device is designed to determine an actual force FS which is applied to a main traction means and which is caused substantially by an acceleration of a movable mass connected to the main traction means, and wherein the first force measuring device is also designed to transmit the determined actual force FS to the control device, the control device is also designed to compare the actual force FS with the target force FS,max and to control the drive unit such that, if the actual force FS exceeds the target force FS,max, an auxiliary force FZ having a component that offers resistance to a gravitational acceleration acts on the movable mass by means of a connection of the drive unit to the movable mass. The invention also relates to a system comprising the training device and the auxiliary drive for the training device.