Exercise Machine Power Management via Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exercise machines are limited by standard electrical power supplies, which restrict the maximum resistance and speed that can be achieved, failing to meet the needs of professional athletes who require higher power and instantaneous power bursts during strength training.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an energy storage device that regenerates power during concentric movements, combined with a motor and pulley system, allows for increased resistance and speed by supplementing power from the standard electrical supply, enabling the exercise machine to handle higher loads without requiring a change in electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If standard electrical power supply is used, then the exercise machine can operate with basic resistance and speed, but the maximum resistance and speed are limited and cannot meet professional athletes' needs
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent sources: a standard electrical power supply for baseline operation and a separate energy storage device (battery) for supplemental power. This segmentation allows each power source to operate within its optimal range while combining their outputs to achieve higher total power without modifying electrical connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the output of the standard electrical power supply with the output of the energy storage device through a controller that regulates their combined contribution to the motor. This combining enables the system to deliver higher resistance and speed than either source could provide alone, while maintaining compatibility with standard electrical systems
2Power
If higher power is provided to increase resistance and speed, then professional athletes can achieve higher performance, but the electrical power supply requirements increase requiring costly renovations
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is pre-charged during periods when the motor is not demanding peak power (such as during concentric movements or between exercises). This preliminary energy accumulation allows the system to deliver instantaneous power bursts when needed without requiring the electrical infrastructure to continuously support high power levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles where the energy storage device charges during low-demand periods and discharges during high-demand periods. This periodic action pattern allows professional athletes to receive instantaneous power bursts for intense exercises while the average power draw remains within standard electrical supply capabilities, avoiding costly infrastructure renovations
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
This solution effectively doubles the resistance capacity of the exercise machine, supporting professional athletes by providing higher torque and speed, while ensuring safety and compatibility with standard residential electrical systems, thus enhancing the training experience without the need for costly renovations.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage device that regenerates power during concentric movements
Implementation Method 2
combined with a motor and pulley system
Implementation Method 3
combined with a motor and pulley system
Data Source
AI summary
A request is received for a higher torque from a torque controller than is possible from a power supply. The torque controller is coupled to a motor and the power supply, and the motor is coupled to an actuator. The actuator ultimately establishes resistance for a user in an exercise. An energy storage device is discharged to the motor in order to generate the higher torque, wherein the energy storage device is indirectly coupled to the torque controller.