Hybrid Exercise Resistance Module for Haptic and Dynamic Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional exercise machines lack integration of both physical weights and electromechanical resistance sources, leading to inconveniences in weight adjustment and the loss of haptic feedback, which affects neuromuscular coordination and motivation.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid resistance generation system combining a weight stack with physical weights and an electromechanical resistance module, where both sources are connected in series, providing tactile feedback and dynamic resistance adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional exercise machines use only physical weights for resistance, then haptic feedback and neuromuscular coordination are maintained, but weight adjustment requires interrupting exercise and moving away from training position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight adjustment convenienceVSAvoidtime lost during weight adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines physical weight stack and electromechanical resistance module into a hybrid resistance generation system. The electromechanical module includes a motor that can adjust resistance levels during exercise without requiring physical weight changes, allowing users to maintain workout intensity while eliminating the need to interrupt for weight adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical weight adjustment system with an electromechanical system. The motor-driven resistance module can be controlled electronically to provide variable resistance during exercise, substituting the manual mechanical weight changing process with an automated electrical control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If exercise machines use electromechanical resistance systems to replace physical weights, then dynamic resistance adjustment is enabled, but haptic feedback and motivation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic resistance adjustment capabilityVSAvoidloss of haptic feedback

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges physical weight stack and electromechanical resistance module into a hybrid system. Users can feel the physical weights providing haptic feedback while the electromechanical module provides dynamic resistance adjustment capability, combining the benefits of both systems simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resistance system is segmented into two independent components: the physical weight stack for haptic feedback and the electromechanical resistance module for dynamic control. Each component can function independently or work together, allowing users to experience both tactile feedback and programmable resistance variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single resistance source is used in exercise machines, then device complexity is reduced, but resistance versatility and workout customization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance source varietyVSAvoidresistance generation system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple resistance sources (physical weights and electromechanical module) into a single integrated resistance generation system. Both sources are connected in series to the cable system, providing versatile resistance options while maintaining a unified structural approach that manages complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid resistance generation system provides multiple functions through a single integrated design. The system can operate using physical weights alone, electromechanical resistance alone, or both combined, making it universally applicable to various workout scenarios and resistance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system offers a versatile workout experience with haptic feedback, dynamic resistance control, and seamless integration of physical and electronic resistance, enhancing neuromuscular coordination and motivation.

Implementation Method 1

a weight stack with a plurality of weights that can be coupled with a weight sword providing a first resistance source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

an electromechanical resistance module providing a second resistance source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20260027401A1Hybrid resistance generation system for an exercise machine

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 ATLETICA DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

The application relates to a hybrid resistance generation system for an exercise machine, comprising a weight stack providing a first resistance source and an electromechanical resistance module providing a second resistance source. The two resistance sources are connected in series via a weight sword, so that a combined resulting resistance acts on a first cable that is operably connected to a user interface. The electromechanical resistance module includes an electric motor with a winch for winding and unwinding a second cable, which is detachably connected to the weight sword via a tool-free adapter.