Exercise Tracker Cable Deflection Force Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fitness trackers do not adequately capture data from weight-lifting exercises, which are a significant aspect of physical fitness, limiting their integration into the 'quantified self' ecosystem.
Innovation Solution
An exercise tracker that includes a base with protrusions to deflect a cable, a force sensor to measure tension, and a processing device to determine weight lifted and repetitions, along with an accelerometer to detect movement, allowing for accurate data collection and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an exercise tracker uses only a force sensor to measure cable tension, then weight lifted can be determined, but repetition counting and movement detection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a force sensor and an accelerometer into a single exercise tracker device. The force sensor measures cable tension to determine weight lifted, while the accelerometer detects movement and repetition data. By merging these two sensing capabilities into one integrated device, the system achieves comprehensive exercise tracking that captures both force and motion information simultaneously, resolving the limitation of using only a force sensor.
2Reliability
If an exercise tracker is fixed to exercise equipment, then stable measurement is achieved, but portability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise tracker is designed as a separate, portable device that can be attached to or removed from exercise equipment as needed. Rather than being permanently fixed, the tracker segments from the equipment, allowing users to easily transport it between different machines or take it home for continued tracking. This segmentation maintains measurement stability during use while enabling flexibility and portability.
3Loss of information
If an exercise tracker uses multiple sensors and processing components, then comprehensive exercise data is collected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise tracker employs a multi-functional processing device that handles multiple tasks: receiving force signals from the force sensor, receiving movement signals from the accelerometer, determining weight lifted, counting repetitions, and transmitting data wirelessly. By designing a universal processor that performs all these functions within a single integrated system, the patent reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing device acts as an intermediary that integrates and coordinates the data from both the force sensor and accelerometer. Rather than requiring complex direct interactions between multiple sensors and external systems, the processing device mediates by consolidating inputs, performing calculations, and managing wireless transmission, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Loss of information
If an exercise tracker transmits data wirelessly in real-time, then user feedback is immediate, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise tracker transmits exercise data wirelessly at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The processing device collects data from the force sensor and accelerometer during exercise sessions, then transmits consolidated data packets at predetermined time intervals or upon completion of exercise sets. This periodic transmission approach provides users with timely feedback while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous real-time streaming.
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 precise tracking of weight lifted and repetitions performed on weight-lifting equipment, providing users with detailed exercise data that can be viewed on mobile devices or remote servers, motivating users to achieve fitness goals through data aggregation and sharing.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor programmed to output a force signal representing a force applied to the cable
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer programmed to detect movement of the exercise tracker and output signals to the processing device
Implementation Method 3
the protrusions are arranged so that, in use, tensioning the cable deflects at least one of the plurality of protrusions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
An exercise tracker includes a force sensor programmed to output a force signal representing a force applied to a cable associated with a piece of exercise equipment. The exercise tracker further includes a processing device programmed to receive the force signal and determine, from the force signal, exercise data including an amount of weight lifted.