E-textile Flexibility Measurement System with Wireless Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise equipment lacks the capability to effectively measure and monitor flexibility and optimal stretch capability, particularly for activities like yoga and pilates, which are essential for performance tracking and improvement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flexible e-textile fabric strap connected to a monitoring device with a microprocessor, display, and wireless communication, measuring resistance to determine flexibility values and displaying them on a user-friendly interface, with the option to transmit data for remote processing and health management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional exercise equipment is used, then basic exercise functions are provided, but flexibility measurement and monitoring capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the flexible strap integrates force sensing elements, e-textile fabric with conductive threads for electrical communication, and wireless communication capabilities directly into the stretching apparatus, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and simplifying the overall system structure while enabling comprehensive flexibility monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures pulling force through force sensing elements, tracks range of motion via accelerometers and gyroscopes, monitors stretching duration, calculates flexibility values, and provides real-time feedback through display and wireless communication, making the device versatile for various stretching exercises and body parts
2Measurement precision
If a flexible e-textile fabric strap with force sensing elements is used, then flexibility measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensing elements embedded in the e-textile fabric. Force sensing elements, accelerometers, and gyroscopes convert physical quantities directly into electrical signals for processing, eliminating complex mechanical linkages and measurement mechanisms while improving measurement precision and enabling wireless data transmission
3Loss of information
If real-time feedback and data transmission capabilities are added, then exercise performance monitoring is enhanced, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device employs periodic measurement and transmission cycles, where sensors continuously monitor stretching parameters and the microprocessor periodically calculates flexibility values and transmits data to remote devices. This periodic operation reduces continuous power consumption while maintaining effective real-time feedback for exercise performance tracking
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
Enables accurate measurement and tracking of flexibility and strength, providing users with real-time feedback and personalized optimal stretch goals, enhancing their exercise performance and flexibility development.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the resistance of the electrical transmission through the flexible e-textile fabric portion to generate a resistance value
Implementation Method 2
measuring an individual's flexibility and strength as determined by the force of the individual pulling on a strap and the change in the elasticity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and system for measuring an individual's flexibility are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a first flexible fabric strap portion, a flexible e-textile fabric portion, a monitoring device and a second flexible fabric strap portion connected to a second end of the monitoring device. The system further includes a communication device for receiving a signal from the apparatus and a computing device for processing the signal from the apparatus.