Exercise Device Control System for Dynamic Force Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment fails to accurately simulate the dynamic forces and inertial effects of actual physical activities, leading to a less realistic and less effective workout experience, as it typically uses constant force or power control schemes that do not mimic the natural muscle recruitment patterns and momentum changes of real activities.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that simulate physical activities by generating resistance forces based on the physics of the activity, using a controller connected to a force-generating device like an alternator, which varies resistance according to user input and emulates the inertia and momentum of the activity, such as pedaling a bicycle, by calculating the difference between predicted and measured variables to provide a more realistic workout experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant force or power control schemes are used in exercise equipment, then the device structure is simple and easy to control, but the equipment fails to accurately simulate the dynamic forces and inertial effects of actual physical activities
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously measures actual velocity and compares it to virtual velocity, using the difference as feedback to adjust resistance forces in real-time, enabling accurate simulation of dynamic physical activities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical flywheels and momentum storage devices with an electronically controlled resistance system that uses sensors and a controller to simulate inertial effects, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining simulation accuracy
2Reliability
If traditional resistance control is used in exercise equipment, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it does not provide force feedback that realistically simulates the forces encountered when performing the actual physical activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical resistance mechanisms with an electronically controlled system using an alternator and controller, simplifying manufacturing while enabling realistic force feedback that simulates actual physical activity conditions
3Reliability
If flywheels and momentum storage devices are used to simulate inertia, then the inertial effects are more realistic, but the device becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical flywheels with an electronically controlled resistance system that calculates and applies forces based on measured velocity and virtual physics models, achieving inertial simulation without the weight and complexity of physical momentum storage devices
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 system provides a workout experience that closely mimics actual physical activities, effectively loading muscles and allowing for more efficient and longer exercise sessions by accurately simulating the forces and dynamics of the activity, reducing the need for flywheels and other momentum storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator operably connected to the user interaction member. The alternator provides a variable force tending to resist movement of the user interaction member relative to the support structure
Implementation Method 2
The difference between the virtual or expected physical variable and a measured variable is used as a control input to control resistance forces of the exercise equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A control system and method for exercise equipment and the like provides a way to simulate a physical activity in a manner that takes into account the physics of the physical activity being simulated to provide an accurate simulation. According to one aspect of the present invention, the control system and method takes into account the physics of the corresponding physical activity to generate a virtual or predicted value of a variable such as velocity, acceleration, force, or the like. The difference between the virtual or expected physical variable and a measured variable is used as a control input to control resistance forces of the exercise equipment in a way that causes the user to experience forces that are the same or similar to the forces that would be encountered if the user were actually performing the physical activity being simulated rather than using the exercise equipment.