Connected Exercise Device Strain Gauge Resistance Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resistance band exercise devices lack the ability to accurately measure and track resistance, repetitions, and user exertion, and do not allow connectivity with electronic devices for monitoring and community engagement.
Innovation Solution
A connected exercise device that uses strain gauges and wireless connectivity to measure resistance, track workouts, and connect with smart devices and cloud services, enabling precise tracking and community sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If resistance bands are used to provide variable resistance load, then physical workout is achieved, but accurate measurement of resistance and exertion cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with electronic strain gauges and sensors that automatically detect and measure resistance forces. The strain gauges convert mechanical stress into electrical signals, enabling precise digital measurement of resistance during exercise without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication modules and cloud-based platforms as intermediaries between the exercise device and external systems. These intermediaries enable data transmission, processing, and sharing without requiring direct physical connection between all components, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual tracking of repetitions and resistance is required, then device simplicity is maintained, but accurate monitoring and recording of exercise metrics is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the device automatically performs measurement, data collection, and tracking of exercise metrics without requiring user intervention. The strain gauges continuously monitor resistance, the microcontroller automatically counts repetitions and calculates exercise data, and wireless modules autonomously transmit information to external devices, eliminating the need for manual tracking while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where the device continuously monitors exercise parameters and provides immediate feedback to the user through displays or mobile applications. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment and tracking of exercise metrics, improving measurement precision while keeping the user interface simple and intuitive.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectivity features are added to enable tracking and community engagement, then user engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple capabilities into a single device platform, including strain measurement, wireless communication, data cloud synchronization, social media integration, and gamification features. This universal approach allows the device to perform diverse functions without requiring separate systems, improving adaptability while managing complexity through unified architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cloud-based platforms and wireless communication modules as intermediaries to connect the exercise device with external services and communities. These intermediaries handle complex data transmission, processing, and integration tasks remotely, reducing the complexity burden on the device itself while enabling rich connectivity and gamification features.
4Measurement precision
If variable resistance bands are used, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but tracking of exact weight and power exerted is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical resistance estimation methods with electronic strain gauge measurements that directly detect force and power. The strain gauges convert mechanical stress from resistance band tension into precise electrical signals, enabling accurate digital measurement of weight and power exerted during exercise without the difficulties of mechanical detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the relationship between strain, force, and electrical resistance changes in strain gauges to measure mechanical parameters. By monitoring changes in electrical resistance caused by mechanical deformation, the system accurately determines the force and power exerted during exercise, transforming difficult-to-measure mechanical parameters into easy-to-measure electrical parameters.
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
Provides accurate measurement and tracking of resistance and user exertion, allowing users to monitor progress and engage with a community, enhancing the exercise experience through interconnectivity and gamification.
Implementation Method 1
A connected exercise device that uses strain gauges and wireless connectivity to measure resistance
Data Source
AI summary
The connected exercise device includes a main body member that receives resistance bands attached thereto where the main body member is flexed during such use. The main body member includes a preferably tubular configuration for slidably receiving a force sensing member that is interconnected to the main body member. At least one strain gauge attached to the force sensing member, which provides a live real time output signal associated with the force sensed by the at least one strain gauge due to the flexing of the main body member. Electronic circuitry is configured and arranged for wirelessly transmitting the output signal to an external computing device for use by the user for enhanced understanding of use of the connected exercise device.