Weight Exercise Machine Phase-Specific Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight training machines are less effective in the concentric phase of exercise, limiting the overall effectiveness of workouts and failing to provide precise control over the applied load.
Innovation Solution
A weight exercise machine with a control unit that opposes the exerciser's force during the concentric phase and aids in the eccentric phase, using strain gage transducers to measure and adjust the force, allowing for customizable training plans and phase-specific control of the exercise machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional concentric weight training machines are used, then the exercise can be performed with simple mechanical structure, but the training effectiveness is limited because the machine cannot provide precise control over load during different exercise phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical weight stacks and pulley systems with an electric motor-driven actuator system. The actuator, controlled by a control unit, dynamically adjusts the resistance force applied to the exerciser's limb throughout the range of motion. This substitution enables precise control over load during concentric and eccentric phases without requiring complex mechanical counterweights or cam mechanisms, thereby improving training effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives real-time feedback from sensors monitoring the exerciser's limb position, velocity, and applied force. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the actuator's output force to optimize resistance during different exercise phases. This closed-loop feedback control ensures precise load management, enhancing muscle activation and training effectiveness while eliminating the need for overly complex mechanical load adjustment mechanisms.
2Strength
If heavy loads are used to increase training intensity, then muscle strength can be improved, but the risk of injury increases and the cardiovascular system becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load adjustment where the actuator continuously modifies the resistance force throughout the exercise range of motion and across different exercise phases. The control unit can program variable resistance profiles that increase load only when the muscle is capable of handling it, ensuring progressive overload without sudden excessive demands. This dynamic approach allows heavy loads to be used safely by distributing the stress over time and matching load to the exerciser's instantaneous capacity, thereby improving muscle strength while minimizing injury risk and cardiovascular strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including force magnitude, velocity, and position to optimize training stimulus. The actuator can adjust force output in real-time based on muscle activation levels, joint angle, and exercise phase. By dynamically modifying these parameters, the system delivers high-intensity stimulation for strength development while preventing excessive loads that could cause injury or cardiovascular overload, thus achieving strength improvement with reduced harmful effects.
3Ease of operation
If the machine provides assistance during the concentric phase, then the exercise becomes easier and safer, but the training effectiveness is reduced because the muscle is not sufficiently challenged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exercise into distinct phases (concentric, eccentric, isometric) and applies different control strategies to each phase. During the concentric phase, the actuator can provide variable assistance to ensure safety and proper form, while during the eccentric phase, it transitions to providing resistance to maximize muscle activation. This phase-specific segmentation allows the machine to be both safe and effective, as each phase is optimized independently rather than using a single fixed assistance level throughout the entire motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements periodic variation in assistance and resistance levels synchronized with the exercise rhythm. Assistance is provided during the concentric phase when the muscle is shortening, then transitions to resistance during the eccentric phase when the muscle is lengthening. This periodic switching between assistance and resistance modes ensures that the muscle is sufficiently challenged during critical phases while maintaining safety during phases where assistance is appropriate, thereby preserving both ease of operation and training effectiveness.
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
Enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of weight training by allowing precise control over the exercise phases, improving muscle strength and rehabilitation outcomes by optimizing the load and resistance during both concentric and eccentric phases.
Implementation Method 1
usage of strain gage transducers to measure and adjust the force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a weight exercise machine and training methods for development and strengthening of muscles and joints with exercises aimed for overcoming a counteracting force with or without measuring equipment, more specifically, to training devices and training methods with the eccentric phase of the training. The weight exercise machine comprises a frame bearing a seat for an exerciser, the seat fastened to the frame; a touch screen connected with a control unit for controlling training modes and monitoring training parameters; an actuator controlled by the control unit; and an interface interacting with the exerciser. Thus, efficiency of weight training can be improved.