Cable-Tracked Resistance Trainer Without Cameras or Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically driven resistance training devices are expensive, non-portable, and require cameras and large screens, limiting their use to indoor environments and making them unsuitable for outdoor or alternative venues.
Innovation Solution
An exercise device with a user interface, resistance mechanism, and cable system that includes a sensor arrangement to detect orthogonal angles of a cable in 3D space, allowing for precise tracking of the user's movement and providing resistance training without the need for cameras or large screens, and enabling portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrically driven resistance training devices include cameras and large display screens to monitor and provide feedback on user performance, then measurement precision and feedback capability are improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from complex camera systems and isolates it to a simple cable trajectory detection mechanism. By focusing solely on detecting cable position and movement through sensors rather than capturing full visual scenes, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision for exercise form monitoring while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical camera systems with a mechanical sensor-based detection system. Instead of using cameras to visually capture and process user movement, the system uses sensors attached to the cable to directly measure cable trajectory in 3D space, substituting complex optical processing with simpler mechanical measurement that still provides adequate feedback on user performance.
2Reliability
If electrically driven resistance training devices are designed with fixed indoor configurations and heavy components, then stability and reliability are improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the device configuration adaptable rather than fixed. The resistance mechanism can be repositioned along the frame, and the cable routing can be adjusted to suit different exercise requirements and space constraints. This dynamic configurability allows the device to maintain reliability through proper mechanical design while simultaneously improving portability by enabling compact storage and easier relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the device to perform multiple exercise functions through a single integrated system. The adjustable cable routing and repositionable resistance mechanism allow the same device structure to support various exercise types and user configurations, thereby achieving versatility and portability without sacrificing the reliability that comes from using a proven, standardized mechanical design for all functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mechanical weight systems use simple cable and pulley mechanisms, then ease of manufacture and reliability are improved, but the ability to provide controlled resistance and track user movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement methods with electronic sensing technology. Instead of relying on mechanical linkages or optical encoders that would complicate the design, the system uses simple electronic sensors attached to the cable to detect position and movement. This substitution maintains the mechanical simplicity and ease of manufacture of traditional systems while dramatically improving measurement precision for tracking user movement and providing digital feedback.
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
The device offers a cost-effective and portable resistance training solution that can be used in various environments by accurately tracking user movements and providing feedback, enhancing exercise performance and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a cable follower through which the cable passes, the cable follower pivotally mounted to pivot about a first pivot axis and about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis orthogonal to the first pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
a pulley to direct the cable as it extends from the device during use, the pulley comprising a rotational axis
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A resistance exercise device comprising a frame or housing to contain or mount at least one resistance mechanism, a handle engageable by a user of the resistance exercise device during use, and moveable relative the housing, and a cable connected between the resistance mechanism and the handle to transmit force from the resistance mechanism to the user, wherein the resistance mechanism comprises an electric motor to generate force, and a spool which carries the cable, and upon which the cable is configured to wrap and unwrap as the user moves the handle, and wherein the spool is directly coupled to co-rotate with the motor, said spool and motor being configured such that a rotational axis of the spool is collinear with a rotational axis of the motor.