Dynamo Torque Analyzer Real-Time RTD Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring peak torque (PT) and rate of torque development (RTD) are hindered by the high cost and lack of portability of isokinetic dynamometers, and portable transducers provide conflicting results and require extensive offline analysis, making them impractical for real-time calculations in both laboratory and field settings, especially for assessing muscle strength in older adults and explosive-type movements.
Innovation Solution
A dynamo torque analyzer that includes a load cell and microcomputer, which can be affixed to existing equipment, automatically calculates and displays real-time measurements of PT and RTD, offering a portable, cost-effective, and time-efficient means for quantifying isometric PT and RTD.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If isokinetic dynamometers are used to measure PT and RTD, then measurement reliability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the measurement function into two parts: a simple load cell for force measurement and a microcomputer for data processing and RTD calculation. This segmentation allows the measurement reliability to be maintained through accurate load cell data while reducing overall device complexity by offloading computational tasks to the microcomputer.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcomputer acts as an intermediary between the load cell and the user/interface. It processes the raw force data from the load cell, performs RTD calculations, and presents results in a user-friendly format, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If isokinetic dynamometers are used to measure PT and RTD, then measurement precision is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex isokinetic dynamometer system. By using only a load cell for force measurement and a microcomputer for processing, it takes out the core measurement capability while eliminating the bulky mechanical components, thereby achieving portability without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy of the dynamometer measurement capability using portable components. The load cell and microcomputer together replicate the essential PT and RTD measurement functions of a full dynamometer in a much lighter, portable package suitable for field use.
3Weight of moving object
If portable transducers are used to measure PT and RTD, then portability is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of portable transducers with the reliability of laboratory equipment. By combining a reliable load cell with a microcomputer that performs real-time RTD calculations, the system achieves both portability and measurement reliability, overcoming the limitations of previous portable transducers that lacked accurate processing capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If offline analysis with data processing software is used to calculate RTD, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcomputer performs RTD calculations in real-time as data is collected, rather than requiring post-experiment offline analysis. This preliminary action of calculating RTD during the measurement process eliminates the time-consuming offline analysis step while maintaining calculation precision through the microcomputer's processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-sufficient in performing RTD calculations without requiring external data processing software or expert intervention. The microcomputer automatically processes the load cell data and computes RTD values, making the system independent and eliminating the need for time-consuming external analysis procedures.
5Measurement precision
If offline analysis with data processing software and expertise is used to calculate RTD, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The microcomputer automatically performs RTD calculations without requiring user intervention or expertise in data processing. The system serves itself by autonomously processing the force data and computing RTD values, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation for users regardless of their technical expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual, expertise-based offline analysis process with an automated electronic computing system. The microcomputer substitutes for the need for human experts to perform complex calculations, maintaining precision while making the system easy to operate through automatic processing and presentation of results.
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 dynamo torque analyzer provides reliable and valid measurements of PT and RTD, demonstrating high consistency and agreement with isokinetic dynamometers, enabling effective assessment of muscle strength and explosive performance capabilities, particularly in older adults and athletes, and facilitating real-time data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A dynamo torque analyzer (or simply referred to herein as 'dynamo') includes a load cell that can be affixed to existing equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analyzing a subject using a dynamo torque analyzer includes recording the force produced during an isometric contraction of the subject with a load cell, processing data associated with the isometric contraction, and calculating and displaying, via a microcomputer of the dynamo torque analyzer, peak torque, and rate of torque development values using the data associated with the isometric contraction. The dynamo torque analyzer calculates and displays the peak torque and rate of torque development values in real time.