Digital Strength Training System Dynamic Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional strength training methods, such as fixed-track machines and free weights, often isolate single muscles or activate stabilizer muscles excessively, limiting the effectiveness of workouts and requiring manual adjustment of resistance levels.
Innovation Solution
A digital strength training system using a three-phase brushless DC motor with a controller circuit and sensors to dynamically control resistance, providing arbitrary applied tension curves and enabling continuous adjustment of resistance based on user position and movement phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-track machines or free weights are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but resistance adjustment requires manual intervention and workout effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical resistance systems (weight stacks, cables, pulleys) with an electronic motor-driven system. A brushless DC motor controlled by a microprocessor dynamically adjusts resistance levels, eliminating the need for manual weight plate changes while providing programmable resistance curves. This substitution enables continuous resistance adjustment without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic resistance adjustment where the motor speed and torque are continuously varied during the exercise motion. Sensors detect user position and movement phase, and the controller dynamically modifies resistance in real-time to match the desired tension curve, rather than using fixed mechanical resistance throughout the range of motion.
2Productivity
If manual resistance adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and workout efficiency decrease due to time required for adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic resistance adjustment without requiring user intervention. The microprocessor-controlled motor autonomously modifies resistance levels based on pre-programmed exercise protocols and real-time sensor feedback, allowing users to focus on their workout without stopping to manually change weights or adjust mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor user position, movement velocity, and applied force, feeding this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust motor output and maintain the desired resistance curve, enabling adaptive resistance modification throughout the exercise range of motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional weight stacks are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different exercise phases and positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes resistance parameters dynamically during exercise execution. The motor controller adjusts torque and speed parameters in real-time based on the exercise phase, user position, and desired tension curve, enabling the same mechanical system to provide different resistance characteristics throughout the range of motion without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven resistance system serves multiple functions that would traditionally require separate mechanical systems. It can provide variable resistance curves, simulate different weight conditions, adapt to various exercise phases, and accommodate different user strengths, all through electronic control rather than multiple dedicated mechanical mechanisms.
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 system offers a versatile, efficient, and safe strength training experience by mimicking traditional weight stacks without the need for manual adjustments, allowing for dynamic resistance that can be instantly changed, thus providing a more comprehensive muscle workout with reduced reliance on stabilizer muscles.
Implementation Method 1
a three-phase brushless DC motor with a controller circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine is disclosed. The exercise machine comprises a tension generating device. The exercise machine comprises a translatable arm mount coupled to the tension generating device. The exercise machine comprises an arm coupled to the translatable arm mount. The exercise machine comprises a cable coupled to the tension generating device via the arm.