Height-Based Force-Start Control for Cable Resistance Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment for resistance training is often bulky, expensive, requires heavy safety equipment, and lacks the ability to provide controlled resistance across a range of motions, making it challenging for users to perform full-body workouts efficiently and safely.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic cable-actuated resistance training device that mimics traditional free weights, featuring a compact design with adjustable resistance provided by a motor-driven spool system, allowing for independent control of tension in multiple cables to facilitate various exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional weight-training machines are used to provide stabilized resistance, then exercise safety is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical stabilization systems with a motor-driven cable system. The motor controls cable tension electronically, eliminating the need for heavy rigid linkages and multiple weight stacks. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining exercise safety through controlled resistance delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable machine is designed to perform multiple exercises through different cable routes and attachment points. A single device can accommodate various exercises (rows, presses, pulls) by routing cables through different pulley configurations, replacing the need for multiple specialized weight-training machines and reducing overall system complexity.
2Strength
If cable machines with weights driven through cables and pulleys are used, then resistance training effectiveness is improved, but the device requires significant space and heavy components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical weight stacks with a motor-driven spool system. The motor winds and unwinds cable to provide resistance, eliminating the need for large quantities of physical weights. This reduces the stationary object weight while maintaining resistance training effectiveness through controlled motor torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance system is made dynamic through motor control rather than static weight stacks. The motor can adjust resistance levels programmatically, allowing the same lightweight mechanism to provide variable resistance equivalent to heavy weights. This dynamic approach reduces equipment weight while maintaining training effectiveness.
3Length of moving object
If resistance stretch bands are used to provide resistance, then portability and space efficiency are improved, but the force becomes uncontrollable as it increases with extension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive elastic resistance bands with an actively controlled motor-driven cable system. The motor electronically controls cable tension, providing precise force control regardless of extension distance. This maintains the portability advantage of lighter equipment while solving the force control problem through electronic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where sensors monitor cable position and tension, and the motor adjusts resistance in real-time based on feedback signals. This closed-loop control ensures force remains controllable and appropriate throughout the full range of motion, unlike passive elastic bands where force passively increases with extension.
4Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic and flywheel mechanisms are used to vary resistance, then resistance adjustability is improved, but the resistance increases with movement speed making it insufficiently controllable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces speed-dependent magnetic and flywheel resistance mechanisms with a motor-driven cable system that provides speed-independent resistance control. The motor can maintain constant torque regardless of movement speed, allowing precise resistance adjustment independent of exercise velocity. This improves control precision while maintaining adaptability for different exercise speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic cable-actuated resistance training device comprises a base having first and second side pods at opposite ends of the base. First and second motors are located in the first and second sides pods respectively, and cables attached to the motors exit the side pods vertically to provide exercise resistance. Exercise-level tensions in the cables are only applied at or above a preset force-start point, which is at a certain height above the base, of the ends of the cables. The height may be based on a number of factors including the user's height, body proportions, exercise type, and may also be modified by the receipt of user input. Exercise repetitions can be counted by determining that that an exercise attachment has passed above an upper height and below a lower height.