Exercise Machine Resistance Adjustment via Electromechanical Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Pilates apparatuses are time-consuming and inefficient in changing workout resistance, requiring exercisers to manually adjust springs, which disrupts the exercise flow and prevents real-time resistance adjustments, leading to inadequate workout intensity and cardiovascular benefits.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with a control unit communicating with a resistance adjustment system and biometric monitoring device, allowing for real-time resistance adjustments based on biometric data, using mechanisms like electromechanical latching, eddy current brakes, and dashpots to change resistance levels without stopping the exercise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual spring adjustment is used to change resistance, then resistance can be changed, but the process is time-consuming and disrupts exercise flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical spring adjustment system with an electromagnetic resistance adjustment system. The control unit receives input from the user and automatically adjusts the resistance level by controlling the electromagnetic brake or dashpot, eliminating the need for manual spring engagement and disengagement. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with electromagnetic control resolves the contradiction by enabling resistance change without time loss and without disrupting exercise flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance adjustment system is designed to be self-regulating through biometric feedback. The control unit continuously monitors biometric data (such as heart rate) and automatically adjusts resistance levels without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming manual adjustment process while maintaining adaptability to the user's physiological state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual spring adjustment is used to change resistance, then resistance levels can be modified, but exercise continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic resistance adjustment system allows for seamless resistance modification during exercise. The control unit can adjust the electromagnetic brake or dashpot parameters in real-time without requiring the exerciser to stop or manually intervene, thus maintaining exercise continuity while providing adaptability in resistance levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous exercise action by enabling resistance adjustment without interruption. The automated control mechanism allows the exerciser to maintain continuous motion while the resistance levels are dynamically modified based on user input or biometric feedback, preventing any break in the exercise flow.
3Device complexity
If fixed resistance springs are used, then simple apparatus structure is maintained, but real-time resistance adjustment based on biometric data is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic resistance adjustment system serves multiple functions within a single integrated mechanism. The control unit can adjust resistance levels based on various input modes (manual selection, biometric feedback, pre-programmed routines) and can control different resistance mechanisms (electromagnetic brake, dashpot). This multi-functionality provides real-time adaptability while adding minimal complexity to the overall apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables real-time resistance adjustment by changing the parameters of the electromagnetic brake or dashpot rather than physically changing spring components. The control unit modifies electrical or hydraulic parameters to achieve resistance variation, providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration of the apparatus structure.
4Force
If multiple springs must be engaged to increase resistance, then adequate workout intensity can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic resistance adjustment system replaces the mechanical spring engagement process with electronic control. The control unit can generate any required resistance level by adjusting the electromagnetic brake or dashpot parameters, eliminating the need to manually engage multiple springs to achieve higher resistance forces. This substitution simplifies the process while maintaining the ability to provide adequate workout intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic resistance adjustment capability where the resistance force can be continuously varied rather than stepped through discrete spring combinations. The control unit can smoothly adjust the electromagnetic brake or dashpot to provide any resistance level within the operational range, achieving adequate workout intensity without the complexity of multiple spring engagement steps.
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 efficient and continuous adjustment of workout resistance, enhancing exercise intensity and cardiovascular benefits by allowing real-time changes, reducing disruption, and optimizing workout time.
Implementation Method 1
the resistance adjustment system includes an eddy current brake that generates a controllable amount of electromagnetic resistance in response to a control signal
Implementation Method 2
the resistance adjustment system includes an electromagnetic brake that generates a controllable amount of electromagnetic resistance
Implementation Method 3
the resistance adjustment system includes a dashpot that creates a controllable amount of viscous resistance in response to a control signal
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine adjustable resistance system and method for efficiently varying the workout resistance for an exercise machine. The exercise machine generally includes a carriage movably positioned with respect to the at least one rail, a plurality of springs selectively connectable to the carriage to provide a resistance level to the carriage, a plurality of electrically actuated mechanical devices adapted to latch a corresponding one of the plurality of springs to the carriage when in the latch state and unlatch a corresponding one of the plurality of springs to the carriage when in the unlatch state and a control unit in communication with the plurality of electrically actuated mechanical devices to selectively control the state of each of the plurality of electrically actuated mechanical devices to be within the latch state or the unlatch state.