Electric Exercise Spotter with Friction-Corrected Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exercise spotting devices for weight training are expensive, lack sensitivity to minute muscle fatigue reactions, and cannot simultaneously assist exercises using heavy weights and electric actuating power.
Innovation Solution
An electric exercise spotting device with sensors, a motor, and a microcomputer that adjusts external force based on user data and frictional forces, integrated with a safety bar and power transmission system, allowing for precise assistance of both heavy weight and electric load exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional racks are used for weight training, then the basic weight training function is provided, but the device is expensive and cannot provide electric assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a conventional rack structure with an electric spotting device into a single integrated system. The electric spotting device includes a motor, sensors, and control unit that are mounted on the rack, allowing the rack to provide both traditional weight training and electrically-assisted exercise modes simultaneously, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is designed to serve multiple functions: it can support traditional heavy weight training, electrically-assisted strength training, and various exercise programs. The electric spotting device can assist with different types of exercises including lifting, pushing, and pulling movements, making the single device universally applicable for multiple training needs
2Measurement precision
If simple algorithms are used for electric spotting, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot detect minute muscle fatigue reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from sensors that detect exercise speed, movement position, and applied force. This feedback is processed to determine muscle fatigue levels and adjust the electric assistance accordingly. The system monitors the difference between the force applied by the user and the load being lifted, using this information to provide appropriate spotting assistance while detecting minute muscle fatigue reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical switching mechanisms with electronic sensors and a microcomputer-based control system. Sensors detect physical quantities such as position, speed, and force, and the control unit processes this information to dynamically adjust the motor output, enabling precise detection of muscle fatigue without requiring complex mechanical structures
3Manufacturing precision
If frictional forces are not corrected, then the control calculation is simple, but the exercise spotting precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary correction of frictional forces before calculating the final motor output. The system pre-determines the frictional characteristics of the pulley and rope system and compensates for these losses in advance, ensuring that the electric assistance accurately matches the user's needs without requiring complex real-time adjustments during exercise execution
4Adaptability or versatility
If only one exercise type is supported, then the device function is simple, but the device cannot perform both heavy weight and electric load exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on the detected exercise type and user needs. The control unit can switch between providing full electric assistance, partial assistance, or no assistance (traditional mode) seamlessly during exercise execution. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to support multiple exercise types including heavy weight training, electrically-assisted training, and combination modes without requiring manual reconfiguration
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 device provides sensitive and effective assistance to muscle fatigue, enabling efficient and precise exercise spotting, reducing the sense of difference in spotting force and enhancing exercise effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, driven by a control signal, for generating an external force
Implementation Method 2
a screw, for transmitting the power of the motor to the safety bar
Implementation Method 3
sensors comprising a first sensor for detecting the number of times of exercise and an exercise speed
Implementation Method 4
by correcting a driving frictional force inside the exercise spotting device, for calculating an external force value
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an exercise assistance device for assisting muscle exercise by means of a motor driven by means of electronic control. An electric exercise assistance device, according to the present invention, comprises: sensors comprising a first sensor and a second sensor; a motor driven by means of a control signal and generating an external force; a Micom for correcting the frictional driving force inside an exercise assistance device and deriving a calculation value of exercise assistance point, exercise assistance intensity and exercise assistance location on the basis of an encoder signal, the exercise speed and the number of exercise sets detected by means of the first sensor, exercise intensity, and user information; a mount detachably attached to a vertical frame of a rack used for muscle exercise; a base rail for guiding the movement of a safety bar; a power transmission unit for transmitting the power of the motor to the safety bar; the safety bar for enabling application of an external force, which is required for exercise assistance and exercise, and enabling detachment and attachment of a barbell rod for muscle exercise; and a rest for resting a weight material, used for muscle exercise, at an exercise starting location.