Handle Motion Detection Using Polygon Sensing for Accurate Rowing Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rowing machines suffer from calibration errors and inaccuracies due to varying ambient conditions, leading to unreliable performance measurements, which hinder fair comparisons and remote competitions.
Innovation Solution
A motion detection module using a force sensor to measure both force and distance directly, employing a frequency band width filter to separate low and high-frequency signals for accurate calculation of work or energy exerted, integrated into the handle of a rowing machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect measurement methods (flywheel acceleration) are used to derive power, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ambient conditions and calibration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical measurement (flywheel acceleration) with direct mechanical measurement (force sensor on handle). The force sensor directly measures the force applied by the user on the handle, eliminating the need to infer power from flywheel motion, which is affected by ambient conditions and calibration errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a force sensor as an intermediary measurement device between the user's input and the power calculation. This force sensor directly captures the force applied on the handle, providing a reliable intermediate measurement that can be used to calculate power without being affected by ambient conditions like temperature, altitude, or fluid dynamics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid mechanical dissipators (fan or paddles) are used for energy dissipation, then the rowing machine can simulate outdoor rowing, but measurement precision deteriorates due to varying ambient conditions and fluid dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the fluid mechanical dissipator system. Instead of measuring force and energy through the flywheel and dissipator (which are affected by ambient conditions), the force sensor is placed directly on the handle to measure the user's input force independently of the dissipator's fluid mechanical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement system into two independent parts: the force sensing system (on the handle) and the energy dissipation system (flywheel with dissipator). This segmentation allows the force measurement to be made without being influenced by the dissipator's fluid dynamics, ambient conditions, or calibration settings.
3Device complexity
If manufacturer-specific calculation methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates due to factory bias and lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for measurement from flywheel acceleration (which requires complex manufacturer-specific calculations) to direct force measurement (which provides accurate, standardized data). This parameter change enables consistent, objective power calculation that is not biased by manufacturer-specific formulas.
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
Provides highly accurate and cost-effective performance measurement, independent of ambient conditions, enabling fair real-time or delayed comparisons and competitions.
Implementation Method 1
A motion detection module using a force sensor to measure both force and distance directly
Implementation Method 2
employing a frequency band width filter to separate low and high-frequency signals for accurate calculation of work or energy exerted
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~4A
AI summary
The invention relates to a motion detection module suitable for detecting motion of a retractable handle or grip at a distal end of a flexible power transfer, wherein the flexible power transfer runs over a rotating body, wherein the rotating body comprises a circumference comprising one or more segments of a polygon, characterised in that the motion detection module is configured for capturing the motion of the flexible power transfer by sensing the polygon effect.