Electromagnetic Clutch Exercise Machine Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exercise machines require exercisers to stop and manually change resistance settings, disrupting group exercise classes and incurring economic losses due to prolonged class times and decreased customer satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with a movable carriage and removably attachable resistance biasing members, controlled by an electromagnetic clutch that allows instructors to instantly change resistance settings on multiple machines without interrupting the exercise routine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual spring attachment/detachment is used to change resistance settings, then resistance adjustment is possible, but exercise routine is disrupted and class time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical spring attachment/detachment system with an electromagnetic clutch system. The clutch uses electromagnetic fields to automatically engage or disengage resistance springs from the carriage, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This allows resistance settings to be changed instantly through electrical control signals, resolving the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while eliminating time loss from manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic clutch system enables the machine to automatically adjust resistance settings without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates the engagement of resistance springs based on control signals, allowing the exercise equipment to serve itself in adjusting resistance levels. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining full resistance adjustment capability while eliminating the time-consuming manual spring attachment process.
2Ease of operation
If multiple exercisers simultaneously change resistance settings on conventional machines, then each exerciser can adjust to their needs, but class disruption increases and revenue opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic clutch system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it allows individual exercisers to adjust their own resistance settings independently while also enabling the instructor to control all machines from a central location. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both individual customization and centralized control, maintaining ease of operation while preventing class disruption and preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central control system that acts as an intermediary between the instructor and multiple exercise machines. This intermediary can send control signals to any or all machines simultaneously, allowing resistance settings to be adjusted across the entire class without individual manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining individual adjustment capability while eliminating the productivity loss from simultaneous manual spring changes across multiple machines.
3Ease of operation
If instructors provide one-on-one assistance to exercisers for spring settings, then exercisers can properly adjust resistance, but class time is extended and revenue opportunities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic clutch system enables exercisers to independently adjust resistance settings without requiring instructor assistance. Users can operate the control interface to engage or disengage springs as needed, making the system self-service capable. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through intuitive controls while eliminating the time loss from instructor intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical spring attachment process with an electronically controlled electromagnetic clutch system. This substitution eliminates the need for instructors to physically assist exercisers with spring attachment, as the electronic system handles all engagement/disengagement operations automatically. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining correct resistance setup capability while eliminating the time-consuming instructor assistance requirement.
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 simultaneous resistance adjustments across multiple machines, minimizing class disruptions, reducing revenue losses, and enhancing the exercise experience by maintaining continuous workout tempo.
Implementation Method 1
A controller changes the resistance settings against the movable carriage by electrically attaching or detaching any preferred number of resistance biasing members between the machine structure and movable carriage
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine with electromagnetic resistance selection for changing exercise resistance settings by engaging more or fewer resistance biasing members using a electromagnets. An example implementation includes a movable carriage configured to move substantially along the length of one or more rails. A plurality of resistance biasing members are removably attachable between a stationary biasing member bracket affixed to the machine structure and the movable carriage. A controller changes the resistance settings against the movable carriage by electrically attaching or detaching any preferred number of resistance biasing members between the machine structure and movable carriage.