Hinged Plate Stabilization for Exercise Repetition Counting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counting devices for exercise repetitions often require users to focus on counting movements, distracting them from the exercise itself, and lack a solution for positioning a motion sensor on a flat surface to detect and notify completion of a set.
Innovation Solution
A counting device with a housing, hingedly attached plate for stabilization on a horizontal surface, a motion sensor, counter, and notification module that alerts the user when a preset number of repetitions is reached, allowing users to focus on their exercise without manual counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motion sensor is positioned on a flat surface to detect exercise movements, then the user can concentrate on movements without manual counting, but the device requires a stable positioning mechanism on horizontal surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is hingedly attached to the housing, allowing it to be selectively positioned between a stowed configuration (parallel to and abutting the back of the housing) and a deployed configuration (extending angularly from the housing). This dynamic positioning mechanism enables the device to adapt to different surface conditions while maintaining stability during exercise detection.
2Measurement precision
If the plate is extended angularly from the housing for deployment, then the motion sensor can detect movements effectively, but the device occupies more space and may be less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged plate provides a dynamic solution that allows the device to expand its functional footprint only when needed for accurate motion detection, then collapse to a compact form for portability. The plate extends angularly from the housing during use to optimize sensor positioning, then returns to a stowed configuration parallel to the housing back when not in use.
3Volume of moving object
If the plate is stowed parallel to and abutting the back of the housing, then the device has a compact footprint, but the motion sensor positioning may be suboptimal for detecting movements
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged connection enables the plate to transition between compact stowed positioning (parallel to housing back) and optimized deployed positioning (angular extension). This dynamic adjustment allows the motion sensor to achieve optimal detection angles when the plate is extended, while maintaining a compact profile when stowed.
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 concentrate on their exercise movements by automatically tracking and notifying them when a set is completed, enhancing the exercise experience by reducing cognitive load and improving focus.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is attached to the housing and is configured to detect motion
Data Source
AI summary
A repetition counting device for counting repetitions of an exercise motion includes a housing to which a plate is hingedly attached proximate to the housing's top. The plate is selectively hingable from a stowed configuration, wherein the plate is substantially parallel to and in abutment with a back of the housing, and a deployed configuration, wherein the plate extends angularly from the housing and the repetition counting device is positionable on a substantially horizontal surface. A sensor that detects motion is attached to the housing. A counter, which is attached to and positioned in the housing, is operationally engaged to the sensor. The counter thus is enabled to maintain a count of motion events detected by the sensor. A notification module, which is attached to the housing and which is operationally engaged to the counter, notifies a user when the count of motion events reaches a preset value.