Dual-Motor Exercise Machine With Direct-Drive Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strength training equipment often suffers from inefficiencies, such as high friction, inertia, and complexity, which can lead to a less than optimal user experience and limited ability to adjust resistance dynamically.
Innovation Solution
The use of dual direct drive motors, individually controllable for each arm, allows for precise resistance adjustment, dynamic tension control, and reduced friction, emulating traditional weight stacks through electronic resistance, with features like cogging torque negation and dynamic inertia adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional weight stacks and pulley systems are used, then mechanical resistance is provided, but friction and inertia increase reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical weight stacks, pulleys, and cables with electronic motors that directly generate resistance force. This substitution eliminates friction from pulley systems and reduces inertia by removing heavy mechanical components, while maintaining the ability to provide adjustable resistance for strength training exercises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary mechanical components such as weight stacks, pulleys, and complex cable systems from the exercise machine. By eliminating these components that contribute to friction and inertia, the system achieves higher efficiency while the electronic control system provides the necessary resistance function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed resistance mechanisms are used, then simple mechanical design is maintained, but dynamic resistance adjustment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resistance adjustment through electronically controlled motors that can vary their output force in real-time. The resistance level changes dynamically based on user input and exercise requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different workout intensities and muscle groups without mechanical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter electronically by adjusting motor torque and speed characteristics. This allows continuous variation of resistance levels without physical changes to the mechanical structure, providing high adaptability while keeping the base mechanical design simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machines are used for different exercises, then each machine can be optimized for specific exercise, but space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal exercise machine platform where electronic motors can be programmed to provide resistance for multiple different exercise types. The same basic mechanical structure serves multiple functions by changing electronic control parameters, eliminating the need for separate dedicated machines for each exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically reconfigurable resistance mechanisms that can adapt to different exercise requirements through electronic control. The system changes its behavior dynamically based on the selected exercise program, allowing one machine to replace multiple specialized machines while maintaining exercise-specific optimization.
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 a smoother, responsive, and versatile strength training experience with the ability to adjust resistance instantly, assess performance imbalances, and optimize power usage, enhancing user engagement and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the motor controller circuit is configured to compensate for an inertial effect of the motor by determining a profile of deceleration of the motor and compensating for the profile of deceleration by applying an additional torque
Implementation Method 2
a motor configured to generate tension on a cable coupled to the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A strength training machine includes a first motor oriented at a first angle relative to a chassis. It further includes a second motor oriented at a second angle relative to the chassis. The first and second angles skew the motors with respect to each other.