Computer-Controlled Exercising Apparatus with Double-Acting Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exercising and training machines lack the ability to provide controlled eccentric force during the backswing, leading to limited flexibility and user apprehension due to the use of flywheels and clutches, which restricts the effectiveness of concentric and eccentric exercises.

Innovation Solution

The development of a computer-controlled exercising and training apparatus using double-acting actuators that provide variable resistance and force for concentric and eccentric exercises, eliminating the need for flywheels and allowing for more ergonomic and user-friendly training with improved control over resistance and force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If flywheels and clutches are used to provide resistance during concentric exercise, then resistance can be provided during the forward motion, but the machine lacks control over eccentric force during the backswing and creates user apprehension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance forceVSAvoiduser apprehension

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the flywheel and clutch mechanism from the exercise machine, extracting the problematic components that caused user apprehension and lack of eccentric control. This allows the system to use a different mechanism (electromagnetic or hydraulic actuator) that can independently control both concentric resistance and eccentric force without the mechanical complexity and user fear associated with flywheel disengagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical flywheel-clutch system with an electromagnetic or hydraulic actuator system. This substitution enables precise electronic control of resistance and force in both concentric and eccentric phases, eliminating the need for mechanical disengagement and providing superior control over the exercise parameters while reducing user apprehension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If flywheels are used to provide inertial resistance, then concentric exercise resistance is achieved, but the machine cannot provide controlled eccentric force and limits exercise flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinertial resistanceVSAvoidexercise flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control system using electromagnetic or hydraulic actuators that can independently adjust resistance and force parameters in real-time during both concentric and eccentric phases. This dynamic control allows the machine to adapt to different exercise requirements, user capabilities, and training objectives, providing flexibility that static inertial resistance cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables independent adjustment of multiple parameters including resistance magnitude, force magnitude, range of motion, and exercise speed through electronic control of the actuator system. This parameter flexibility allows the same machine to accommodate various user groups from athletes to elderly individuals and provide different exercise intensities and types without changing the physical equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If clutches are used to disengage the flywheel during deceleration, then the flywheel inertia is removed from the body portion, but the machine lacks ability to actively apply eccentric force during the backswing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflywheel inertia forceVSAvoideccentric force

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive mechanical clutch disengagement system with an active electromagnetic or hydraulic actuator system. This substitution transforms the system from merely removing harmful inertial forces to actively controlling and applying eccentric forces during the backswing phase, enabling a much broader range of exercise modalities and providing superior muscle activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8187153B2Concentric and eccentric exercising and training apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2012.05.29 CENT OF ROTATIONAL EXERCISE

AI summary

An exercising machine for exercising of a user's torso, arm, leg or other body part, including an exercising attachment for exercising of the user's torso, arm, leg or other body part, a computer-controlled resistance actuator operatively connected to the exercising attachment to impart a resistance for concentric exercising of the user's torso, arm, leg or other body part through a forward range of motion, a computer-controlled force actuator operatively connected to the exercising attachment to impart a force for eccentric exercising of the user's torso, arm, leg or other body part through a reverse range of motion, a computer for controlling the actuators and a method for exercising, including imparting a resistance for concentric exercising of a user's torso, arm, leg or other body part through a forward range of motion and imparting a force for eccentric exercising of the user's torso, arm, leg or other body part through a reverse range of motion.