Finger Exerciser with Position Encoder and Vibration Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand exercise devices are passive and lack the ability for therapists or trainers to monitor user progress, and they often inhibit precise or comfortable exercise performance, limiting the achievement of improved strength, dexterity, or recovery from dysfunction or injury.
Innovation Solution
A finger exerciser with a housing, plunger assembly, and grip, featuring a tubular shaft with a coil spring and a controller that communicates with a linear position encoder and transducer, enabling precise monitoring of user performance and providing tactile feedback through vibration, and a software application for remote data communication and exercise tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional passive hand exercise devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to monitor user progress and ensure exercise compliance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect finger position and movement, providing real-time feedback to a controller that tracks exercise compliance and progress. This feedback mechanism enables monitoring capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical exercise devices with an active system that uses electronic sensors and controllers to monitor and track exercise performance, substituting mechanical monitoring with electronic detection systems.
2Ease of operation
If conventional hand exercise devices are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but the precision and comfort of exercise performance are inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical encoders and sensors to precisely measure finger position and movement, replacing imprecise mechanical indicators with electronic detection systems that provide accurate real-time data on exercise performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time feedback from sensors allows the system to guide users through precise movements, enhancing exercise precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated guidance and tracking.
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 user performance and comfort by allowing for precise monitoring of exercise compliance and progress, enabling tailored exercise routines and improved strength and dexterity training.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring in operative association with the shaft that is configured to urge the shaft in an upward direction
Implementation Method 2
a light source configured to illuminate the scale, and a light detector configured to detect reflected light from the scale
Implementation Method 3
a piezoelectric transducer fixed to the pad base and in operable communication with the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A finger exerciser includes a housing, a tubular shaft, a finger pad and a coil spring. The housing defines an opening. The tubular shaft has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is movable through the opening of the housing and relative to the housing. The finger pad is supported on the upper portion of the tubular shaft. The finger pad has first and second curved sides and defines a indent between the curved sides. The indent is configured to receive a finger tip. The first curved side has a height greater than the second curved side. The coil spring is disposed in operative association with the tubular shaft and configured to urge the shaft in an upward direction.