Fitness Equipment Force Control via AI and Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in determining appropriate load weights for fitness equipment, leading to inefficiency and risk of injury due to varying strength levels and lack of professional guidance, causing instability and potential harm.
Innovation Solution
A fitness equipment system with a control panel connected to AI via a mobile device, allowing users to adjust load weights based on personalized data, with a sensing unit that detects force changes to maintain control and safety, and a database for user history and recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users manually adjust load weight by inserting pins in designated positions, then the equipment can be operated with variable weight, but the process is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and adjusts the load weight based on user strength detection, eliminating the need for manual pin insertion and repeated trials. The control unit autonomously selects the appropriate weight block and positions it, allowing the equipment to serve itself rather than requiring user intervention for weight adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit detects the user's strength during operation and provides feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the load weight accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to the user's actual strength level and automatically set the appropriate weight, replacing the manual trial-and-error process.
2Measurement precision
If users repeatedly try to determine appropriate load weight, then they can find the right weight for their strength, but the process is inconvenient and lacks professional guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic strength detection and weight selection without requiring user expertise or professional guidance. The sensing unit and control unit work together to autonomously determine the appropriate load weight, making the process as easy as operating the equipment while ensuring accurate weight selection based on the user's actual strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of inserting pins and physically trying different weights is replaced by an automated sensor-based system. The sensing unit detects user strength through mechanical interaction, and the control unit electronically selects and positions the appropriate weight block, substituting manual mechanical trial-and-error with automated detection and control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If users continue training with the same load weight, then they can maintain consistency, but their strength may decline leading to instability and risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit continuously monitors the user's strength during training and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. When strength decline is detected, the system automatically adjusts the load weight to maintain appropriate challenge level, preventing instability and reducing the risk of injury while ensuring continuous safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed weight configuration to a dynamic adaptive weight system. The load weight is automatically adjusted in real-time based on the user's changing strength levels, allowing the equipment to adapt to the user's progress and maintain optimal safety and effectiveness throughout the training session.
4Adaptability or versatility
If gyms do not have professionals or coaches available, then the gym is more accessible to users, but users cannot get professional guidance on determining appropriate load weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service weight determination without requiring professional coaches or instructors. The sensing unit and control unit automatically detect user strength and select appropriate weights, providing the guidance that would otherwise require professional intervention. This allows users to safely operate the equipment independently while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual professional guidance process is replaced by an automated electronic system. Instead of requiring a coach to physically assess and guide weight selection, the sensing unit detects user strength through mechanical interaction and the control unit electronically determines the appropriate weight, substituting human expertise with automated intelligence.
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 users to easily adjust load weights according to their strength, reducing the risk of injury and providing safe and effective workouts by integrating AI-driven recommendations and real-time force adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing unit of the control unit detects a magnitude of the force applied by the user to the operation unit
Data Source
AI summary
A force control method for a fitness equipment includes an input step, an operation step, a first load operation step and a second load operation step. The fitness equipment includes a control panel, an operation unit, a control unit, a shaft and a load unit. The control panel is electrically connected to the control unit which is electrically connected to the load unit. The operation unit is connected to the load unit via a rope that is wound around the shaft. The operation unit pulls a load weight generated by the load unit by the rope. An AI unit and a mobile device are connected to the control panel. The AI unit collects a usage information of the user to form a load data which is displayed on the mobile device or the control panel. The load weight of the load unit is adjustable by a sensing unit.