Gym Machine Brake Control for Adaptive Training Transitions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gymnastic equipment does not allow for customized training based on the user's aptitude, and manual systems for adjusting cadence and resistance are inefficient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A gymnastic machine with a logical control unit and sensor system that adjusts braking force based on user input, allowing for personalized training programs with predefined targets and modes to maintain a constant braking parameter during transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If feedback control is used to adjust brake parameter based on detection system signals, then training adaptability is improved, but user effort consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: feedback control mode (MODE 0) that continuously adjusts brake parameter based on detected user force, and constant parameter mode (MODE 1-3) that maintains a predetermined brake parameter value. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different training phases and user capabilities, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and effort consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter (brake parameter control strategy) from continuous feedback adjustment to constant predetermined value based on training phase and user capability. By modifying how the brake parameter is controlled rather than just adjusting its value, the system achieves both adaptability to user needs and consistency in effort requirements.
2Reliability
If constant brake parameter is maintained during transition, then training intensity consistency is improved, but adaptability to user preference deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between feedback control and constant parameter maintenance based on the current training phase and detected user performance. During transitions between target values, the system can maintain constant brake parameter for intensity consistency, while during steady-state training, it uses feedback control for adaptability to user preference.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic unit preliminarily determines the appropriate control mode (feedback or constant) based on the training program structure and user capability assessment before executing the training phase. This preliminary determination ensures that the correct control strategy is applied at the right time, achieving both intensity consistency and user preference adaptability.
3Speed
If feedback control adjusts brake parameter continuously, then responsiveness to user effort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct operational modes (MODE 0 for feedback control, MODE 1-3 for constant parameter) that are activated based on training phase and user capability. This segmentation simplifies the overall control logic by dividing the continuous control problem into discrete, manageable segments, reducing device complexity while maintaining responsiveness where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the continuous feedback control function and replaces it with discrete constant parameter maintenance in specific training phases. By taking out the continuous adjustment requirement and replacing it with predetermined values, the system reduces control system complexity while maintaining responsiveness during phases where it is most needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a method of operation of a gymnastic machine comprising a system (2) for applying a force exerted by a user when performing a gymnastic exercise; a brake system (3) to exert a brake action in response to the force exerted by the user; a transmission group (4) of the force exerted by the user to the brake system (3); at least one detection system (6) of the force exerted by a user when performing the gymnastic exercise; and at least one logic control unit (U) connected to said brake system (3) and to said detection system (6); the method including the step of: selecting a training program that comprises the passage from at least one first target (Target_1) to at least one second target (Target_2) or setting in the machine at least one first target (Target_1) and at least one second target (Target_2), wherein the target is the value of a parameter associated with the gymnastic exercise; selecting or setting in the machine a passage mode (MODE 0, MODE 1, MODE 2, MODE 3) from the first target (Target_1) to the second target (Target_2), wherein: in a first passage mode (MODE 0), the logic control unit adjusts a brake parameter corresponding to the brake action exerted by the brake system (3) with a feedback control as a function of at least one signal from the detection system (6); in a second passage mode (MODE 1, MODE 2, MODE 3), the control logic unit maintains the brake parameter at a constant value (P_const) for a predefined period of time (T) or until the second target (Target_2) is reached.