3D Cable Trajectory Sensing in Portable Resistance Trainers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically driven resistance training devices are expensive, non-portable, and require cameras and large screens, limiting their usability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An exercise device with a user interface, resistance mechanism, and cable system that includes a sensor arrangement to detect orthogonal angles of the cable in 3D space, allowing precise tracking of the user's movements and providing feedback without the need for additional cameras or large screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras and large display screens are added to provide user monitoring and feedback, then measurement precision and information feedback are improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the feedback function from complex camera and display systems, isolating only the essential sensing capability. The cable angle sensor arrangement detects user movement trajectories through simple angular measurements of the cable in 3D space, eliminating the need for cameras and large screens while maintaining accurate performance monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic/optical monitoring systems (cameras and screens) with a mechanical sensing approach. The cable follower arrangement mechanically tracks cable position and converts it into angular measurements, substituting complex electronics with a straightforward mechanical measurement system that achieves the same monitoring objective
2Reliability
If the device is designed for indoor use with fixed infrastructure, then reliability and performance consistency are improved, but adaptability to different environments and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the exercise device with universal applicability across different environments. The cable-based sensor arrangement requires no infrastructure or power supply, enabling the device to function reliably whether indoors or outdoors, at home or in a park, eliminating the need for fixed installation while maintaining performance consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the measurement system dynamic and adaptable to varying usage conditions. The cable follower arrangement naturally adjusts to different cable angles and user positions without requiring calibration or reconfiguration, allowing the device to maintain reliability across diverse environments and exercise movements
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 cost-effective, portable resistance training with accurate feedback, suitable for various environments, including outdoor settings.
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
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A personal exercise device with a cable and resistance mechanism comprises a sensor arrangement configured to detect two orthogonal angles to define a trajectory of the cable extending in the 3-dimensional space during use. The sensor arrangement comprises a pulley to direct the cable as it extends from the device during use, 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, and wherein the first pivot axis is collinear with a rotational axis of the pulley, and one or more sensors configured to detect pivoting of the cable follower about the first and second pivot axes and provide one or more outputs indicative of the two orthogonal angles to define the trajectory of the cable extending in the 3-dimensional space.