Exercise Machine Actuator Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines fail to provide a comfortable and effective transition between concentric and eccentric movements, often resulting in discomfort due to sudden changes in load or inertia, and lack the ability to independently vary weight and inertia, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A control method for an electric actuator in exercise devices that adjusts load set points during reversals of movement, using a monotonic function to smoothly transition between load set points, and incorporates a handle with a control member to manage these transitions, allowing for independent variation of weight and inertia, and simulating additional inertia or friction forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a sudden change in load set point is applied during reversal of movement, then the transition between concentric and eccentric movements is rapid, but user comfort deteriorates due to sudden load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the load set point variable during the reversal phase. Instead of a fixed sudden change, the load set point dynamically transitions from the first value to the second value over a predetermined time period, creating a smooth adaptive transition that maintains user comfort while achieving rapid direction change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by initiating the load set point transition before the reversal is complete. The load set point begins changing in anticipation of the full reversal, smoothing out the transition before the user experiences any abrupt load changes, thereby maintaining comfort during the direction change.
2Reliability
If separate machines are used for inertia and weight exercises, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single exercise machine capable of performing both inertia-based and weight-based exercises. The control system achieves this by selectively applying different load set point strategies: one optimized for inertia exercises and another for weight exercises, allowing the same physical apparatus to deliver both exercise types with appropriate optimization for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the control parameters (load set point values and transition characteristics) based on the selected exercise mode. The system changes operational parameters rather than physical structure, enabling the same machine to adapt between inertia and weight exercise modes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining exercise optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent variation of weight and inertia is implemented, then exercise customization is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing physical mechanical variations (separate weight mechanisms and inertia mechanisms) with electronic control variations. The control system substitutes for physical complexity by using software-based load set point management to independently vary weight and inertia parameters, achieving full customization without additional mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an electric actuator in an exercise device, comprising:supplying a first load set point (FA, kA) upon a displacement of the load element in a first direction,supplying a second load set point (FB, kB) upon a displacement of the load element in a second direction, anddetecting an initial position (M) of the moving part of the electric actuator when the reversal of the movement is detected,computing an end-of-transition position (N) exhibiting a deviation in the second direction relative to the initial position,supplying a transition load set point in the form of a monotonic function of the position of the moving part of the electric actuator or of the load element, said monotonic function varying from the first load set point (FA, kA) to the second load set point (FB, kB) between the initial position (M) and the end-of-transition position (N).